Ecumenical journey

My Photo scholarship 2010 entry

Ethiopia | Sunday, October 17, 2010 | 5 photos

Visiting Ethiopia is a journey deep into the history of a glorious ancient culture that gave birth into one of the most unique forms of Christianity, which remains unchangeable until today.
This year a youth group, WCC’s Commission on Youth, gathered in Addis Ababa in order to explore how people in the African context struggle with violence of different forms. As a participant I was able to encounter more the Ethiopian culture by traveling in other parts of the country too. A visit to Lalibela, one of the most sacred places, was a must in this encountering. The photos were taken during a Sunday morning, when the local people, the pilgrims and the few tourists gather in the world famous monolithic churches for the Liturgy…
For some years now and as a participant in various meetings I have been traveling around the world, engaging in different aspects of interreligious and intercultural dialogue. I was offered a unique opportunity to experience situations that have enriched my life. Gradually it became a need to help others to experience the different realities I have seen. As a response, firstly to an inner call, as well as with the encouragement of friends I started taking photos in order to make others “fellow-travelers” in my ecumenical journey.
I became witness of how powerful is to present doth with your testimony and via pictures the challenges people are facing in other parts of the world. My previous studies (2001-2003) on Graphic Design proved to be valuable in this undertaking. Still I strongly believe that my participation in such a Scholarship programme would offer me the unique opportunity to learn new extraordinary things for the art of photography from an expert and to improve my skills and my superficial learning.

In respect,
Nikos Kosmidis