Trinity Cathedral, Addis Ababa

European-style exterior of Trinity Cathedral. Photo © Galen Frysinger.

Trinity Cathedral. Photo by Adriana Lukas.

Interior of Trinity Cathedral. Photo by Adriana Lukas.

Photo © Galen Frysinger.

Tomb of Emperor Haile Selassie. Photo © gabagoo.

Stained glass window. Photo by Stanislav Lvovsky.

Trinity Cathedral in Addis Ababa commemorates Ethiopia's liberation from five years of Italian occupation. It is also the second most important place of worship in Ethiopia (after St. Mary's in Axum), and the highest ranking of Addis Ababa's four Orthodox cathedrals.

History

The Church of the Holy Trinity was founded by Emperor Menelik II soon after he moved his imperial capital from Mt. Entoto to Addis Ababa. The original church, built of wood with intricate carvings, was constructed with the help of artists from India. Located close to the Imperial Palace, it was frequently visited by the royal family.

In 1928, a cornerstone was laid by Empress Zewditu for a new cathedral to be built. Work progressed slowly and was halted during the Italian occupation of 1936 to 1941. The new Cathedral would not be completed until 1942, after the return from exile of Emperor Haile Selassie following the Italian occupation.

Trinity was made the burial ground for those who fought against the Italians both inside the country and in exile. No other persons, other than high clergy, are allowed to be buried on the grounds of the Cathedral itself (although there are a public cemetery and a public masoleum behind it). Emperor Haile Selassie built a mausoleum for his family in the crypt under the Cathedral, and the Imperial family continue to use it as their tomb.

Trinity Cathedral has been the site of many great church and state ceremonies, including the enthronements of the Patriarchs of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and the consecration of all Archbishops and Bishops.

What to See

The Holy Trinity Cathedral is located next to the Parliament Building near the Arat Kilo (Meyazia 27) Square, which is the government sector of the City of Addis Ababa.

The cathedral is European in style and features statues of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John on its courtyard walls. The interior has some lovely wall paintings and stained glass windows, all in the distinctive Ethiopian style.

Flags of the various branches of the Imperial Armed forces hang in the nave, and Emperor Haile Selassie and his wife, Empress Menen, are buried in a special chapel in the north transept.

The High Altar is dedicated to Aga-iste Alem Kidist Selassie (Sovereigns of the World, the Holy Trinity), the altar to the right is dedicated to St. John the Baptist and the altar on the left to Our Lady Covenant of Mercy (Kidane Meheret).

To the North and south of the Cathedral are two tombs containing the remains of those massacred by the Italians following the attempt on the life of the Fascist Viceroy in 1936.

The burial space directly in front of Trinity Cathedral is reserved for those entitled to the highest honor from the church, and requires special permission of the Patriarchate. Thus far only the late Patriarch, Abune Tekle Haimanot, His Highness Ras Imiru Haile Selassie (Regent of Ethiopia during the Occupation), Mrs. Sylvia Pankhurst, and Lt. General Merid Mengesha have their tombs in this space. A monument to Abune Michael who was executed by the Italians also stands here (his remains were never recovered).

To the south of Trinity Cathedral is a marytrs' memorial and mausoleum containing the remains of the 60 officials of the Imperial government who were massacred by the Derg on November 23, 1974.

The old Church of the Holy Trinity remains a part of the cathedral complex and still functions as a church. It is now called Bale Wold (Church of the Feast of God the Son) or Arbaetu Insesat (Church of the Four Heavenly Creatures).

Location Map

Below is a location map and aerial view of Trinity Cathedral in Addis Ababa. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, see our Addis Ababa Map or get our free Google Earth download.

More Information

Imperial Ethiopia Home Page - The Imperial Churches of Ethiopia