We have been looking forward seeing this beautiful cathedral for years. This cathedral is the second holiest site in Ethiopia, second only to the St Mary of Zion church in Axum. The architecture is incredible with spindly pinnacles, numerous statues of saints and angles, and the large copper dome. This is also the final resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie and his wife Empress Menen Asfaw. Their thrown, made of white ebony, ivory and marble, remain inside the church where they originally resided. Also inside there are large murals and stain glass windows depicting stories from the Bible. The priest who walked us through the cathedral had a wonderful sense of humor and was very kind. He said that their sermon sometimes includes 3,000 people and they have three services a day!
Behind the cathedral is the Selassie museum which holds several crowns of various Emperors and Empresses, along with old bibles, Orthodox crosses, other relics and gifts from various countries. These items had such historic value and were truly beautiful and breathtaking!
Just south of the cathedral is a memorial and the graves of the ministers killed by the Derg. The churchyard also holds the final resting places for several patriots and priests. This was a very touching and memorable visit. We feel to lucky to be able to experience a place we have known about for over 15 years!
“I believe deeply that we must find, all of us together, a new spirituality.”
~ Dalai Lama
That cathedral truly was a work of art inside and out. I am so happy I was able to share the day trip with you. Mawerdi has a grand heritage from her birth country and it will be an honor to make it part of the family activities. God works thru us all in mysterious ways! Thanks so much for including me in seeing the many sites of Addis.
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