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The Saint Who Lived with Lions and Leopards
- Konjo Arts
- Jun 18
- 4 min read
Honouring Abune Gebre Menfes Qidus
Have you ever heard of a saint who lived with lions and leopards?
Let us introduce you to Abune Gebre Menfes Qidus, whose name means “The Servant of the Holy Spirit” in the ancient Ethiopian language of Geʽez. His life is a powerful story of devotion, solitude, miraculous encounters—and a love so deep that even wild animals became peaceful in his presence.
Who Was Abune Gebre Menfes Qidus?
Abune Gebre Menfes Qidus (pronounced GEB-reh MEN-fes KEE-dus) is one of the most revered saints in the Ethiopian and Eritrean Orthodox Christian traditions. The title Abune means “Our Father,” a mark of spiritual authority.
He was born in Egypt around 829 E.C. (approx. A.D. 1537) to devout parents, Simeon and ‘Aklesya, who had prayed for a child for 30 years. According to Church tradition, on the third day after his birth, the infant saint stood up, bowed three times, and said:
“Glory be to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, who has brought me out of the darkness into the light.”
This miraculous event marked the beginning of a life that would span 562 years—300 in Egypt and 262 in Ethiopia—according to the Ethiopian Orthodox Synaxarium.
A Life of Prayer and Miracles
At the age of three, Gebre Menfes Qidus was taken to the desert by Archangel Gabriel and raised in a remote monastery. He lived in complete solitude, never wore clothing, and was miraculously covered in a robe of long white hair. He ate no earthly food, drank no water, and was instead nourished by angels from heaven. He dedicated every moment of his long life to prayer and worship.
The Saint Who Lived with Lions and Leopards
One of the most astonishing aspects of his life is his peaceful bond with wild animals. Church texts recount that 60 lions and 60 leopards accompanied him in the wilderness, not as threats, but as guardians and companions.
In one well-known story, three visiting saints arrived riding lions. A conflict broke out among the animals, and several of the visiting lions were killed. Grieved by the violence, Gebre Menfes Qidus prayed, and the slain lions were miraculously brought back to life—a powerful testament to divine mercy.
The Raven and the Angels
During deep prayer, Satan appeared in the form of a black raven and pecked out the saint’s eyes, leaving him blind for 98 years. Yet he never complained. Eventually, Archangels Michael and Gabriel descended and healed him by breathing upon his face. Afterward, a dove—symbol of peace and the Holy Spirit—was seen near him, marking his restoration.
Mount Ziquala – A Holy Mountain Home
After 300 years in Egypt, God sent Abune Gebre Menfes Qidus to Ethiopia. He arrived through Axum and later founded a monastery on Mount Ziquala, an extinct volcano with a serene lake at its summit.
According to the Church's Gadl, he lived on the mountain for 262 years, continuing his solitary prayer life. It is said that he immersed himself in the lake for 100 years, praying for Ethiopia and the world. While some stories say he hung upside down in the water, official Church sources emphasise the devotion and intercession, not the posture.
Today, Mount Ziquala remains a sacred pilgrimage site, and the monastery he established is still honoured as a place of deep peace and holiness.
Monthly & Annual Feast Days
Feast Days and Veneration
Abune Gebre Menfes Qidus is remembered with special reverence in the Ethiopian Orthodox calendar. His monthly feast day is celebrated on the 5th of every Ethiopian month, and two annual feast days honour his legacy:
March 13 (Megabit 5): The day of his passing
October 15 (Tikimt 5): Commemorating his divine covenant with God
These days are filled with prayer, music, storytelling, and reflection as communities celebrate his life of humility, power, and unwavering devotion.
How We Honor Him in Art
Discover our original paintings, fine art prints, and icons of Abune Gebre Menfes Qidus — perfect for homes, Sunday schools, and gift-giving.
Explore the Collection
Celebrate the legacy of Abune Gebre Menfes Qidus through our carefully crafted artworks and devotional pieces. Whether you are creating a sacred space, looking for a meaningful gift, or teaching the next generation about Orthodox Tewahedo Saints—our collection brings his story to life.
Sacred Art Prints & IconsAdorn your home or church with fine art prints and hand-painted iconography inspired by the saint’s wilderness life and divine calling.
Ethiopian Heritage T-ShirtsWear your faith proudly with our unique T-shirts featuring the saint’s image and Ge’ez inscriptions. Available in UK and US sizes.
Sacred Scented CandlesInfused with reverence, our scented candle honoring Abune Gabre Menfes Qidus creates a tranquil, prayerful ambiance.
Comfort SweatshirtsStay warm and grounded in faith with our cozy Comfort Colors sweatshirt featuring the saint’s divine image and Ge’ez text.
✨ Every piece is created with reverence for Ethiopian Orthodox tradition and the enduring message of this beloved saint.
May the prayers of Abune Gebre Menfes Qidus bless your heart and home. And may his story remind us all to walk gently, pray deeply, and show kindness to every living being.
🕊️With peace,
The Konjo Arts Team
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