The term "Bermel Georgis" originates from Amharic and is roughly translated to "Barrel George" in English. This sacred site in Ethiopia is home to holy water named after Saint George. The water emerges from a hole encircled by a short, medium-sized barrel. The site is renowned for its unparalleled miracles. Unlike other holy waters in Ethiopia, Bermel Giorgis surpasses expectations by addressing every question in a person's life. During baptism, individuals enter a state of biblical ecstasy, experiencing profound sights, sounds, and emotions that defy explanation. Many witnesses describe the experience as feeling like thousands of years within a mere few minutes—time outside the baptism pales in comparison to time within.

The extraordinary visions encountered during the baptism are not dreams or mere illusions. Instead, one's soul temporarily departs the body, embarking on a journey to other realms. This might include revisiting a childhood home, engaging in dialogue with a higher power, or simply listening to an inexplicable message. Each experience is deeply personal, delivering a tailored message meant specifically for the individual. After completing its journey, the soul seamlessly reunites with the body. The entire baptism process takes about 10 minutes, beginning with sitting around the barrel, inhaling the scent of an invisible incense, hearing the holy water burst forth, and feeling its sprinkles induce a state of ecstasy.

Though these miracles may seem unbelievable, those who have witnessed them often say, "Go and see for yourself." The miracles occur regardless of one's faith or beliefs. However, confession is recommended beforehand, as some who entered without confessing reported visions of burning in hell or being warned by Saint George. The baptism site is open-air, located in a field rather than an enclosed structure. Additionally, participants' hands are tied with rope during the ceremony, as the body sometimes reacts unpredictably, even after the soul departs.

This sacred experience is not just a spiritual ritual but a profound journey of revelation and transformation.

It is a holy site in Ethiopia, known for its sacred water, or "tsebel," believed to have healing and spiritual powers. Located near the Ethiopia-Sudan border in Quara, it attracts pilgrims seeking physical and spiritual renewal. Visitors can take the water home for religious practices like drinking or bathing. The site welcomes everyone, including non-believers, for baptism ceremonies, with only men and women separated into groups. People of all ages and abilities, from children to skeptics, are baptized together.

Overcoming Challenges

Many visitors report encountering obstacles when planning their journey to the holy site. These challenges include financial setbacks, unexpected illnesses, misplaced tickets, or missed flights. However, they also testify to Saint George's intervention, resolving these issues and ensuring their safe arrival. His guidance is believed to smooth the way for those with the intent to visit.

Travel and Accomodations

• Travel Options:
  

  Travel agencies such as Elshaday, Terbinos, and Emahus offer comprehensive transportation services, including flights, buses, and boats. For those traveling from the United States or Germany, Terbinos has streamlined arrangements. Independent travelers may need to plan their journey carefully due to the site's remote location.
  Typically, agency-planned trips last nine days, with at least three days dedicated to baptism. Extensions beyond seven days can be arranged with special tickets.

• Accomodations:
  

  Agencies provide shelters equipped with essential facilities like sleeping quarters, prayer rooms, dining spaces, and restrooms. Independent travelers can bring tents, use church shelters, or rent housing in nearby villages.

What to Bring

• Clothing: Shorts are required for baptism and can be purchased locally if needed.
• Shelter: Independent travelers should bring tents if not using agency accommodations.
• Food: Pack meals suitable for hot climates or purchase from local shops.
• For Women: Bring tampons, as they are expensive locally. Women cannot be baptized during their menstrual periods and must wait until the eighth day from its onset. Alternatively, they may baptize at the nearby Yordanos holy water site.

Surrounding Area

• Local Highlights:
  

  Bermel Giorgis is situated in a desert region but is surrounded by small villages. Visitors will find shops, a river for bathing, and an Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church dedicated to Virgin Mary and Saint George.

• Nearby Holy Water Sites:
  • Mrt Delego Kidane Mihret: Offers a gentler baptism experience with water flowing smoothly from underground.
  • Yordanos Holy Water: Allows women to be baptized during their menstrual periods.

Network Access

While there is network coverage for calls, internet access is unavailable, at this moment of writing.

What to Expect During Baptism

• The holy water emerges every 30 minutes, bursting into the air in three rounds. Visitors often report sensing the aroma of incense or hearing the sound of Saint George's horse's hooves.
• During baptism, assistants may tie participants' hands to ensure safety, as involuntary movements are common for some.
• Baptisms are conducted in groups separated by gender, offering unique revelations each day.

Spiritual and Practical Guidelines

• Confession: It is recommended to confess before baptism. While not mandatory, Saint George may encourage you to do so before subsequent baptisms.
• Showers: Many visitors shower in a nearby river or village before baptism.
• Safety During Travel: Saint George is believed to guide visitors, protecting them from financial or logistical challenges.

Who Can Be Baptized

Bermel Giorgis welcomes everyone, regardless of faith or belief. Groups to be baptized are separated by gender, but children, non-believers, and those with physical disabilities are treated equally.

Costs

There is no fee for visiting the holy site or participating in its spiritual practices. Travel and accommodation expenses are the visitor's responsibility.

Sharing Your Testimony

Visitors may be called upon to share their experiences as a testimony, either at the church or elsewhere.

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