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It is said that the Nine Saints arrived in Axum, the first great capital city of Ethiopia, in 480. They came from various parts of the East Roman Empire, having fled the persecutions of the Orthodox who remained faithful to the teaching of St. [[Cyril of Alexandria]] after Chalcedon. In the account of his life preserved by the [[Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church]] Abba Gerima is said to have come to Ethiopia with either [[Abba Aftse]] or [[Abba P'antalewonentelewon]].

After spending some time at Abba P'antalewonentelewon's monastery in Axum learning and language and culture of Ethiopia, Abba Gerima left the city for Mendera, where he preached the Gospel and established a monastery. He stayed in the area for 17 years (sometimes said to have been 23 years) working miracles, exorcising the possessed, and caring for the sick. Emperor Gebre Mesqel later built a church for him in Mendera, which he endowed richly.