Holy Trinity Cathedral, also known in Amharic as Kidist Selassie, is the highest ranking Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo cathedral in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It was built to commemorate the Ethiopian victory over Italian occupation and is an important place of worship in Ethiopia, alongside other cathedrals such as the Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion in Axum.
The cathedral bears the title "Menbere Tsebaot", or "Pure Altar". Built in 1942, the church compound was the burial place for those who fought against the Italian occupation, or those who accompanied the Emperor into exile from 1936 to 1941. The Emperor Haile Selassie and his consort the Empress Menen Asfaw are buried in the north transept of the cathedral. Other members of the Imperial Family are buried in the crypt below the church. The High Altar of the cathedral is dedicated to 'Agaiste Alem Kidist Selassie' (Sovereigns of the World the Holy Trinity). The other two altars in the Holy of Holies on either side of the High Altar are dedicated to John the Baptist and to 'Kidane Meheret' (Our Lady Covenant of Mercy). In the south transept of the cathedral is a recently added chapel of Archangel Michael, which houses the Tabot or Ark of St. Michael the Archangel, which was returned to Ethiopia in February 2002 after being discovered in Edinburgh. This relic was taken by British forces from the mountain citadel of Magdalla in 1868 during their campaign against Emperor Tewodros II.
Admasu Negussie | Nov 4, 201710
The Holy Trinity Cathedral is an attractive historical church with old architectural arts. It is now serving as the main center of the Orthodox ‘Tewahido’ Church as all major events of the church takes place here. If you come to visit in the fasting season Monday to Friday afternoon 12:00 AM to 3:00 PM and Saturday and Sunday morning 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM there is a mass ceremony in the Cathedral. But if you come in the rest times of the day it is free and not crowded. Moreover , If it is not a fasting season the mass ceremony is in the afternoon 12:00 AM to 3:00 PM only on Wednesday and Friday in all other days it is in the morning 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM. So I hope we can arrange your visit to the cathedral when it is free and empty or with the people and the colorful spiritual Ceremony.
Mon Day | Mar 1, 20188.0
Sylvia Pankhurst is buried here. She started women suffrage movement in England which resulted in women having voting rights. Tombs of the last emperor, Haile Selasie and wife, were reburied inside the church itself church. Second photo of the blue building is the ticket office
Khanh Hoa Tran | Oct 29, 201710
Nice place. We have a very nice guide to show us around. The entrance fee is 150 birr pax
OriginLand Ethiopia Tours | Aug 31, 201710
This is one of the few church Architectural wonders in Addis. It is located in the center of Arat Kilo in near by the House of Federation and in front of Addis Ababa University Faculty of Science. It is an excellent place to discover the Ethiopian church history.
Mark Bullock | Jun 19, 20176.0
Be aware of the high admissions fees and all the folks trying to sell you on tours - you can end up spending a lot here if you don't haggle down the price of tours. Admissions is a fixed price.
yeri shin | Mar 27, 201810
Well worth the visit. Was lucky to have been during a busy weekend over fasting season and was in owe of the passion of the church goers. Make sure you get a guided tour (included in admission) by one of the officers you meet when you pay for your admissions ticket. The museum is interesting but the guide that takes you to the tomb of the monarchs behind the Cathedral was a highlight
Dipan Karmakar | Mar 25, 20188.0
Overall ok...But 200 Birr entry fees per head from Foreigners is not worth it..
Mon Day | Mar 9, 20188.0
Sylvia Pankhurst is buried here. She started women suffrage movement in England which resulted in women having voting rights. Bodies of the last emperor, Haile Selasie and wife, were reburied in tombs inside the church building itself. Second photo of the blue building is the ticket office
Muluken Girma | May 1, 201810
Superb architecture, nice window glass works
Mayank Gupta | Jun 18, 20182.0
It's got some interesting architecture and Emily Pankhurst is buried here. It's no better than other churches especially is Europe. On top of this when we visited we went in and were turned away since it was prayer time, hence didn't actually get to see anything. And yet were still expected to pay the frankly disgusting price of 200 per person which is steep even for the UK. Overall I wouldn't even recommend visiting unless you love architecture, are very religious or have nothing better to do.
Ralph Haberkern | Jul 16, 20188.0
This monument of belief is very impressive. This barock style church has beautiful glass windows of the holy scriptures. it is surrounded by the tombs of important persons of recent history. e.g. the former patriarch of world's orthodox church dec 2004.
Birhanu mesele | Jul 4, 201810
Interesting and lots of history
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