The Church Forests of Ethiopia

Nearly all of Ethiopia’s old-growth forest has disappeared. This film tells the story of Ethiopia’s church forests–pockets of lush biodiversity that surround hundreds of churches—and the efforts to protect them. Directed by Jeremy Seifert.

Directed by Jeremy Seifert
Produced by Jeremy Seifert, Emmanuel Vaughan-Lee
Cinematography by Jeremy Seifert
Sound Recording by Jeremy Seifert
Edited by Adam Loften
Original Music by Matthew Atticus Berger
Sound Design by Adam Loften
Supervising Sound Editor, D. Chris Smith, MPSE
Colorist, Chris Madera
Associate Producer, Fred Bahnson
Translations by Nahome Asfaha and Wubetu Shimelash

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[tylerlynch]

The priest says something interesting. "When a person plants a tree, every time that tree moves, the tree prays for that person to live longer."
That's poetic...but isn't that also, in a real sort of way, literally true? That tree literally gives oxygen, sequesters carbon, holds the soil together, holds moisture, offers shade, and allows birds, insects, and mammals to live in its branches. In a very REAL way that tree contributes to the lives of those around it

[FatherArnoldJohn]

I live in the USA and each time I read or hear something about the Ancient Orthodox Church in Ethiopia I am amazed. Please keep sharing your traditions.

[gordonwaldner]

When I lived in the country I planted 100 trees every year. Since I retired to the city I have planted none. I will renew my efforts and find places to plant trees.

[CampingforCool]

It’s sad to see how small that forest looks compared with the desert looking landscape that surrounds it. The forest is so lush and green and full of life while everything else is dead.

[enqrbit]

Love Ethiopia, Christianity and environmentalism! Respect from an Eritrean Orthodox brother!

[ParikshitBhujbal]

Imagine if all holy places and not just the churches in Ethiopia, all around the world practiced this idea! :)

[ItsZim]

Ethiopia has the coolest church. Church in a forest, church on a cliff. Even church with the ark of covenant!

[lalahaha]

It was so sad when he said that the "high lands" of Ethiopia used to be covered in forests like the one surrounding the church. Excellent video and I totally agree with their better way to worship God than in the middle of his splendid creation.

[Abuallah]

Am somali i have to say ethiopia is such amazing country. love from somalia 🇸🇴🇸🇴🇪🇹🇪🇹💟✝️

[einfachweggehen]

This little video should be shown in every school of this world.

[technical]

I have been to many great cathedrals and churches. I've never seen such a sacred place until now.

Glory to God in the Highest. And Peace to His people on Earth.

[Sami-dpss]

“When someone plants a tree 🌲 and every time it moves the tree prays for that person to live longer”.
How Amazing 😉 it is!
Beautiful video to watch

[justdoingitjim]

My three acre property in Texas use to be all forests as was all of my neighbor's land. Clearing the forests for agriculture and grazing land has also decimated these forests as well. But, after a few decades the trees on my property are coming back. I have three distinct patches we call "The Wilderness." We don't cut, mow or disturb these areas at all and we now have trees in each one over 55 feet tall. The dense undergrowth is home to many wild creatures as is the tops of the trees themselves. I can walk through these patches of forest and imagine what all of the area around me looked like a century ago. If you just leave it alone Mother Nature will reclaim man's devastation and return it to it's proper place.

[DarioHaruni]

I'm Muslim and I'm in tears because so few of the religious people have been keeping the important traditions alive, whilst the majority fights over superficial things. I'm glad that the Ethiopian Christians have maintained these values. Prophet Muhammad sent some of his companions in Abyssinia because a Righteous Christian King was there ready to protect those people from the persecution of the Meccans. The descendants of this king are now protecting the trees from the persecution of globalization.
This documentary reminds me of the saying of Muhammad: "If the final Hour reaches upon one of you while there is a sapling in his hand, then finish planting it.”

[tigistgetenet]

True, the contributions of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church are immense indeed!!!

[rainmbt]

Amen brothers and sisters!! From Catholic European brother in Christ's name!

[oki]

I love Ethiopia, as Ethiopia is a Country which mentioned in The Bible.
Love from Indonesian Christian...

[pranz]

Ethiopia never cease to amaze me with how much extraordinary stuff they have! From an already beautiful amazimg culture heritage and has some of the most astounding churches in the world! What a pleasures to see this video such a beautiful piece!

[bige]

I like that church in the middle of a forest Garden of Eden May God bless that little place

[AlexPresa]

Love from 🇨🇦, so beautiful to see the traditions of Ethiopian Christians, God bless you all, and please continue to share these. I think its so important to broaden our perspectives of brothers and sisters around the world!