Holy Trinity Cathedral

Holy Trinity Cathedral is at Arat Kilo, near the Parliament. It is the highest ranking Ethiopian Orthodox cathedral in Addis Ababa and the seat of the archdiocese. Patriarchs are enthroned here and bishops are consecrated here.

History

Emperor Haile Selassie founded the cathedral on 22 December 1931. Work stopped during the Italian occupation and the building was finished in 1942. The cathedral remembers the victory over the occupation and the fighters of the resistance.

What to see

Emperor Haile Selassie and Empress Menen Asfaw are buried in the north transept. Other members of the imperial family lie in the crypt. Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, the patriarchs Abuna Takla Haymanot and Abune Paulos, and the British campaigner Sylvia Pankhurst are buried in the churchyard.

Inside there are large wall paintings, stained glass windows and the imperial thrones. A museum and monuments in the grounds remember the people killed by the Italian forces in 1937 and the officials executed by the Derg.

Getting there

The cathedral is a short walk east of Arat Kilo square. Unity Park and Abrehot Library are close.

Good to know

This is a working church. Dress modestly and take off your shoes before you go in. Women cover their hair. Allow one hour for the church, the museum and the graves.