Ambassador Shozab Abbas visited Saint Lalibela Monastery

Today, Ambassador Shozab Abbas visited Saint Lalibela Monastery, and met with Abba Tsige Silase Mezgebu (Komos), Administrator of Debre Roha St. Lalibela Monastery, Lalibela. The Ambassador highlighted the fraternal relations between Islam and Orthodox Christianity since the time of Holy Prophet (PBUH). He recalled the gracious and benevolent role of King Negus of Axum, who granted asylum to the first group of Sahaba, migrated from Makkah to Abyssinia in 615 AD.

The Ambassador visited Eleven Rock-hewn Monolithic Churches in Lalibela and extoled the spiritual spirit and strength of the creators, who constructed these marvels on the face of earth, under the instructions of King Gebre Mesqel of Lalibela.

The Ambassador highlighted the existing brotherly relations between Muslims and Christians of Pakistan, who are living side-by-side and contributing for the development of Pakistan and promoting interfaith harmony between the followers of the two great Abrahamic religions. While explaining the history of Christianity in Sub-continent, he eulogized the role of Thomas the Apostle, whose “Taxila Cross” found in Sirkep, Taxila, is considered the oldest Christian relic in Pakistan.

The Ambassador informed that around three million Christians are living in Pakistan. The Government of Pakistan has been making best possible efforts to create an inclusive society, where the people from all creeds may live in peace and harmony to ensure their spiritual and material well-being.

Abba Tsige Silase Mezgebu, Administrator of Debre Roha St. Lalibela Monastery, highly appreciated the visit and said that it is the first ever visit by any “Muslim Ambassador” to this highly-visited historic and religious heritage of Ethiopia. He said that his visit is the manifestation of love and affinity exists between people of Pakistan and Ethiopia.

Abba Tsige Silase Mezgebu, Administrator, in a special service, prayed to Almighty for the welfare and development of people of Pakistan. The Ambassador and Administrator of Lalibela Monastery agreed to work closely for further cementing Pakistan-Ethiopia relations and bringing the people of two faiths closer to each other.

The visit of Ambassador of Pakistan to St. Lalibela Monastery is part of regular efforts of the Mission to promote bilateral relations between Pakistan and Ethiopia.

27 June, 2021