- Address: Arat Kilo, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Confession: Ethiopian Orthodox Church
- Year of foundation: 1928
- Opening hours: 07: 00-18: 00
In the capital of Ethiopia is the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity (Holy Trinity Cathedral). He was erected in honor of the liberation of the country from the Italian occupation. In importance, this Orthodox church occupies the 2 nd place after the church of the Blessed Virgin Mary , located in Axum .
In the capital of Ethiopia is the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity (Holy Trinity Cathedral). He was erected in honor of the liberation of the country from the Italian occupation. In importance, this Orthodox church occupies the 2 nd place after the church of the Blessed Virgin Mary , located in Axum .
Historical background
In 1928, the Empress Zaudita ordered to lay the cornerstone to establish the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Addis Ababa . He began to erect on the site of an ancient wooden church. Work progressed very slowly, and during the occupation (1936-1941) and was completely stopped. The construction was completed in 1942 when Emperor Haile Selassie returned from the Italian exile.
What is famous for?
The Holy Trinity Cathedral in Addis Ababa is an important Orthodox temple in Ethiopia . Ceremonies of the enthronement of the patriarchs and ordination of bishops are held here. On its territory is an ancient cemetery, where local residents who fought against the Italians are buried.
In the courtyard of the church, the highest church ministers are buried. Inside there is a mausoleum in which the clergy and members of the royal family are buried. In the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity there are the tombs of Emperor Haile Selassie and his wife Menen Asfau, princesses of Aida and Desta, the tomb of Patriarch Abun Tekle Heimanot.
Description of the shrine
Local residents call the cathedral "Menbere Tsebaot", which translates as "Pure Altar". In the temple there are 3 thrones, the main one is dedicated to "Agaiste Alam Kidist Selassie", and the remaining 2 - to John the Baptist and the Theotokos of the Covenant of Mercy.
In the cathedral is one of the main relics of Ethiopia, the so-called tabot - the Ark of the Covenant of St. Michael the Archangel. It is kept in a small chapel in the south transept. The artifact was returned to the state in 2002, before that it was in Britain for more than a century.
The area of the temple is 1200 square meters. m, and the height is 16 m. The building itself is built in European style and decorated with a variety of sculptures. In the courtyard of the cathedral are statues of Luke, Mark, John and Matthew.
On the territory of the shrine there are such objects as:
- secondary and primary schools;
- theological Seminary;
- a small ancient church of Bale Wold, which was part of the monastery complex before the construction of the cathedral;
- museum;
- monastery;
- a memorial dedicated to the patriots and officials of the imperial government who were killed in the struggle for independence, who were executed under the communist regime.
The interior of the main temple is decorated with beautiful stained-glass windows and wall paintings made in the national Ethiopian style. On the walls hang paintings, and in the nave you can see flags belonging to various imperial military forces.
Features of visit
The Cathedral of the Holy Trinity is the main attraction in Addis Ababa and is a majestic and beautiful building. Here, with pleasure come both locals and travelers.
The entrance to the temple is paid for - $ 2. For the photo and video you will need to pay extra. Visit the shrine can be every day from 08:00 to 18:00, a break from 13:00 to 14:00.
How to get there?
The Holy Trinity Cathedral is located in the old part of Addis Ababa on Arat Kilo Square, near the parliament building. This is the public sector of the country's capital, to which the city center can be reached by road number 1 or through the streets of Ethio China St and Gabon St. The distance is about 10 km.