When Saints Meet: Abba Samuel of Waldebba and the Miraculous Tale of the Lions

A sacred story from Ethiopian tradition, retold for all ages

In the highlands of Ethiopia, long ago, lived a holy man who was so gentle and prayerful that even wild animals came to sit beside him in peace. His name was Abba Samuel of Waldebba, and his life continues to inspire people with its quiet power, kindness, and deep faith.

Who Was Abba Samuel?

Abba Samuel lived many centuries ago and became a well-loved saint in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. He started a special place called Waldebba Monastery, where many monks came to pray and live close to God.

Abba Samuel chose to live a very simple and holy life. He ate only dry herbs, drank water, and prayed for hours every day. He wore rough clothes, tied chains around himself, and gave up all comfort to stay focused on prayer. People say he stood for days without rest and read the Psalms again and again to feel close to heaven.

But what makes his story even more special is how the wild animals treated him.

Ethiopian icon of Abba Samuel of Waldebba with cross, staff, chains, and a demon in water—symbol of spiritual victory. Artwork by K. Haile Maskel.

The Lions and Leopards Loved Him

When Abba Samuel went into the desert to pray, lions and leopards didn’t harm him—they bowed down to him. These majestic animals would come quietly to his cave and lie at his feet. Some were hurt, and Abba Samuel gently pulled thorns from their paws or cleaned their wounds.

He never showed fear. He treated them like dear friends, and they responded with trust and calmness. This is one of the most beautiful parts of his story—his kindness reached even the creatures of the wild.

Original Ethiopian sacred art by K. Haile Maskel showing Abba Samuel riding a lion, holding a staff, with angels above and Psalm 18:2 inscribed below—symbolising divine strength and protection.

When Lions and Leopards Lie Together

In nature, lions and leopards don’t live side by side. Both are powerful creatures—the lion is known as the king of the savanna, and the leopard moves quietly through the forest, strong and watchful. They are not enemies by choice, but each follows its own path, doing what it was created to do.

But under the care of these holy monks—Abba Samuel and Abune Gebre Menfes Kidus—something extraordinary happened: they chose to stay together in peace. They sat beside the saints, calmly and gently, like beloved companions.

This is a holy mystery. It shows how close these saints were to God, the Creator of all things. In their presence, the natural world found rest. What usually lives apart came together. This is not just a story about animals—it is a glimpse of what creation looks like when it is full of peace, prayer, and divine love.

A Hidden Story: The Day Abba Samuel Met Abune Gebre Menfes Kidus

There’s a special story in the tradition of the Church that not many people know.

One day, Abba Samuel and two other monks decided to go visit another great saint: Abune Gebre Menfes Kidus, a holy man who lived far away in the wilderness. These three saints traveled riding lions. But on the way, a wild beast attacked and swallowed one of their lions.

When Abune Gebre heard what happened, he came to meet them—surrounded by his own lions and leopards. He looked at the wild beast, spoke to it with God’s power, and did something incredible:he brought Abba Samuel’s lion back to life.

This miracle isn’t just a fun tale—it’s a story full of meaning. It shows the love between holy people, and the way God’s power can restore what was lost.

Original Ethiopian icon by K. Haile Maskel depicting Abune Gebre Menfes Kidus with a long white beard, holding a cross and prayer rope, accompanied by lions, leopards, and a black bird—set against a vibrant green and yellow landscape under a blue sky.

How Art Keeps the Story Alive

At Konjo Art Design, we believe that stories like this one should be remembered and shared. Our original artwork of Abba Samuel is inspired by these traditions. In our images, you’ll see Abba Samuel standing tall, holding a cross, surrounded by peaceful lions and leopards.

We create this art not just to decorate walls—but to celebrate faith, history, and hope.

Our artwork of Abba Samuel of Waldebba is available now in our shop and on our Etsy shop : https://konjoartdesign.etsy.com

Bring a piece of this sacred story into your home, and let it remind you to live with gentleness, courage, and love. May his intercession be with us, Amen!

Source Notes

Gadla Abune Gebre Menfes Kidus (Ethiopian hagiographic text)

• Ethiopian Synaxarium, Tahisas 12 (Feast of Abba Samuel – usually December 21 in the Gregorian calendar)

• Mahibere Kidusan Sunday School publications

• Budge, E.A. Wallis. The Book of the Saints of the Ethiopian Church

• Academic insights from S. Kaplan, “Hagiographies and the History of Medieval Ethiopia”

Note: These stories come from the sacred traditions of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. While some parts are full of wonder and miracles, they carry deep spiritual meaning and reflect the way the Ethiopian faithful have remembered their saints for centuries.