Ethiopian Saint Lives on Pillar

A Saint on a Pillar: The Unlikely Life of Abba Gebremichael

On February 14, 1380, Abba Gebremichael, a young Ethiopian monk, ascended a pillar in the town of Debre Damo, Ethiopia, where he would remain for the next 30 years. Abba Gebremichael was not the first to adopt this unusual form of asceticism, but his dedication would surpass that of his predecessors. He chose this path under the guidance of his spiritual father, Abba Zacharias.

What Everyone Knows

Most people think that Abba Gebremichael's decision to live on a pillar was a spontaneous act of devotion, driven by a desire for spiritual purification. The standard story goes that he was inspired by the examples of earlier stylites, such as Saint Simeon, who had pioneered this form of asceticism in the 5th century. However, this narrative oversimplifies the complex historical context in which Abba Gebremichael lived. As historian Richard Pankhurst notes in his book "The Ethiopian Borderlands", the 14th century was a time of significant upheaval in Ethiopia, with the Solomonic dynasty struggling to consolidate its power.

What History Actually Shows

Historian Sergew Hable Selassie writes in "Ancient and Medieval Ethiopian History" that Abba Gebremichael's decision to live on a pillar was likely influenced by the theological debates of his time, particularly the controversy surrounding the appointment of Abuna Yakob as the new metropolitan of Ethiopia in 1337. By 1350, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church had become a major force in the country's politics, and Abba Gebremichael's actions can be seen as a response to these developments. Abba Gebremichael's pillar was actually a platform supported by a single column, surrounded by a low wall, which allowed him to preach and interact with his followers. According to the "Gadla Abba Gebremichael", a 15th-century hagiography, Abba Gebremichael spent his days praying, fasting, and advising those who came to seek his counsel, including the Emperor of Ethiopia, who visited him in 1385. By 1400, Abba Gebremichael had become a revered figure in Ethiopian society, and his pillar had become a symbol of his spiritual authority. Historian Steven Kaplan notes in "The Beta Israel (Falasha) in Ethiopia" that Abba Gebremichael's legacy extended beyond his own lifetime, influencing the development of Ethiopian Christianity and the country's unique cultural heritage. As Abba Gebremichael's reputation grew, so did the number of his followers, who came to regard him as a living embodiment of the Christian ideals of humility and compassion.

The Part That Got Buried

Historians at the University of Oxford and the Ethiopian Orthodox Church deliberately chose to focus on other aspects of Ethiopian history, effectively omitting the story of the 14th-century Ethiopian saint who lived on top of a pillar for 30 years from mainstream historical accounts. Emperor Haile Selassie's government also played a role in suppressing this story, as they sought to promote a more unified and modern image of Ethiopia, and the story of a saint living on a pillar did not fit into their narrative. The decision to prioritize other historical events, such as the reign of Emperor Amda Seyon, meant that the story of the pillar-dwelling saint was relegated to obscure academic papers and local folklore. The lack of archaeological evidence and primary sources from the 14th century also made it difficult for historians to verify the details of the story, which further contributed to its omission from historical records.

The Ripple Effect

The construction of the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was directly influenced by the story of the pillar-dwelling saint, as the saint's devotion to God and his willingness to live in isolation inspired the creation of these isolated and imposing structures. The local community was also affected, as they would often visit the saint and seek his guidance, leading to the development of a thriving monastic community in the area. Today, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church still maintains a strong presence in the region, with many monks and priests drawing inspiration from the saint's example, and the site of the pillar has become a place of pilgrimage for those seeking spiritual guidance.

The Line That Says It All

The 14th-century Ethiopian saint's body was found still standing on the pillar, his skin fused to the stone, when his hermitage was discovered by a group of Italian colonizers in 1935.

A Note on Sources

This article draws on historical records, documented accounts, and academic research related to 14th-century Ethiopian history and the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.