Holy Trinity Ethiopian Orthodox Church

Has anyone ever pondered the spiritual journey of the Caribbean’s Ethiopian Orthodox community? Right here, at the Holy Trinity Ethiopian Orthodox Church in Port of Spain, that journey takes center stage. The Holy Trinity Ethiopian Orthodox Church stands as a testament to a unique spiritual quest. It represents the embrace of Ethiopian Orthodoxy by Trinidadians and Tobagonians seeking a deeper connection to their African roots. The seeds of this spiritual awakening were sown in the 1940s and 50s, amidst the rising tide of Pan-Africanism. Leaders like Marcus Garvey urged Caribbean people to look to Ethiopia, referencing Psalm 68:31, “Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God.” This call resonated deeply with those yearning for spiritual liberation from colonial influences. In 1951, a local group, led by David Modeste and Garnet Springer, took action. They sought guidance from Ethiopia, sending a memorandum requesting the establishment of an Orthodox Church in Trinidad and Tobago. Their plea reached Emperor Haile Selassie I and Patriarch Abuna Basilios. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church responded swiftly, dispatching Abba Gebre Eyesus Meshesha and interpreter Ato Abera Jembere to Trinidad. Their arrival on December 16, 1952, marked a historic moment. Trinidad became the first nation outside Ethiopia and Jerusalem to welcome the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. The Holy Trinity Ethiopian Orthodox Church in Port of Spain is one of the fruits of this pioneering mission. Under Abba Meshesha’s leadership, the church blossomed, establishing branches throughout Trinidad and Tobago, and even reaching Guyana. The church’s growth received a royal seal of approval when Emperor Haile Selassie I visited Trinidad and Tobago in 1966. He laid the cornerstone for a planned cathedral at Beetham Gardens in Port of Spain, further solidifying the church’s presence. Today, the Holy Trinity Ethiopian Orthodox Church stands as a beacon of faith, a vibrant symbol of the enduring connection between the Caribbean and Africa. It serves as a reminder of the spiritual quest that brought Ethiopian Orthodoxy to these shores, a quest that continues to enrich the lives of thousands.