Moscow, April 5, 2011
"The tribe is believed to be one of the most wilful and scofflaw. The situation here become more complicated after a number of wars, which left people with many firearms-- mostly our [Russian] Kalashnikov rifles," organizers of the expedition quoted Father Feodor as saying to Interfax-Religion correspondent.
According to the person interviewed by the agency, the travelers are welcome, and armed men kiss his hands.
"This is the way we traditionally greet a priest, but Afars greet their guests like this. The Afars gave two receptions with national dances and songs to honor the Russian traveler. Fr. Feodor Konyukhov presented a local chief one of his own hand-painted icons," organizers said.
Members of the expedition that started several weeks ago travel on camels.
The route totals 1200 km, and a day's march is about 30 km. Points along the route include the cities of Adis Ababa, Awash, Harar, Dessie, Mek'ele, and Axum. The group is living on instant noodles, because boiled food is the only safe thing to eat in this land where the water is not only undrinkable, it is even unfit even for bathing.
The expedition is called The Ark of the Covenant, as its final destination is the town of Aksum, where, according to certain information, one of the main religious shrines is kept. Ethiopian tradition holds that the tablet of God's commandments received by Moses on Sinai are kept there.
Fr. Feodor got his inspiration for the expedition from the famous 19th century Russian explorer and diplomat Alexander Bulatovich, who played an important role in the Ethiopia's independence.
