Kulubi Gebriel

Markos Sites & Attractions Aug 17, 2021


Kulubi is a town in eastern Ethiopia. Located in the East Hararghe Zone of the Oromia Region, lying south of Dire Dawa, this town has a latitude and longitude of 9 degree 26'N 41 degree 41'E with an elevation of 2130 meters above sea level. Kulubi is known for its large church, dedicated to St. Gabriel , which is the site of massive twice-yearly pilgrimages. Almost every Christian in Ethiopia has a patron Saint and one of the most popular is Gabriel. The 28th of December and 26th of July are dedicated to the annual and colorful celebration of this Saint . The present church was erected in 1962 by Emperor Haile Selassie, replacing one his father Ras Makonnen had erected to celebrate the Ethiopian victory in the Battle of Adwa.

Vast crowds of people congregate on the day of this celebration. People of all ages, sexes, classes and religion gather from all corners of Ethiopia, reaching 100,000 or more . Pilgrims walk to the Church to make or fulfill a vow, to ask favors, or in many cases to give thanks for favors granted. Some carry heavy rocks on their backs, particularly for the last few kilometers uphill to the Church. Babies born through Gabriel's intervention are brought to the front of the Church for baptism. During the duration of the celebration 1,000 babies may be christened, most of them named after Saint Gabriel.

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