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Index & Chronology/Birth and Childhood/ Coronation/Speeches Index /Reasoning/ Empress Menen /List of Ethiopian Kings/Quotes/News/Pictures/More Pictures/Even More Pictures/Cannizaro Park Pictures/Bible References: Ethiopia/Coronation
Please
note this work has been typed from the original booklet which was translated
from the Amharic. I have corrected a couple of obvious typing errors but
otherwise left the text unchanged.
Anything in this colour is added by I.
This is part three click here for part one
click here for part two
Empress
Menen
The wife to His Imperial Majesty Haile Sellassie I
King of Kings of Ethiopia
Memorial for Empress Menen Asfaw’s Birth Day
Written by Yared Gebre Michael
25 March 1950 E.C. Addis Ababa
Translated by Adane Wondie Gebru (Addis Ababa University)
Continued from previous page
In 1934 Empress Menen reconstructed Menen girls' school and made it possible to restart the academic to the girls.
In Nov. 15, 1934 Empress Menen went to Harar by train and stayed up to Dec. 5 to visit different parts of Harar. Then after her visit she came back to Addis Ababa, capital city of Ethiopia.
In April 18, 1934 give her daughter princess Teshay Hailu Sellassie to Col. Abiy Abebe who is promoted now to Brigadier General in legal marriage.
Princess Tsehay died August 12, 1934 without having any children.
In May 26 1934 Empress Menen visited the Ethiopian Women Association. Again she visited Tensae Birhan schools which is established for the poor children and donated money to strengthen the school.
In Nov. 11, 1935 Empress Menen after visited Ethiopian women Association and advised how the association is going to be strengthen.
In July 1, 1935 she inaugurated the handicraft school which is established to work different products.
In 1935 she gave her estate for the orphans whose fathers and mothers were killed by the enemy. She opened Siwaswe Birhan school. In this school even blinds are learning how to write and read.
In Oct. 5, 1936 Empress Menen visited Empress Menen school and advised girls in order to study hard. In Nov. 14, 1936 her beloved children, princess Tenagenework Haile Sellassie and the young prince Sahle Sellassie came back from England. On this occasion there was invitation in the palace.
In Jan 7, 1937 inaugurated the new Trinity Church. This same day there was a ceremony for the patriots and princess Tsehay's dead body.
In Feb. 15, 1937 she visited Empress Menen handicraft school in Feb. 3, 1938 princess Mekonnen the 'Duke' of Harar and princess Sara Gizaw got married legally on crown ceremony.
Empress Menen school progressed and became fruitful. Due to the encrement of large number of students Empress Menen put the base stone to be built for a new building for 300 girls.
Empress Menen visited Harar province and near areas around it. She also observed different offices of Dire-Dawa.
In Sept. 24, 1934 she visited Gondar for the first time with Majesty king of kings. They traveled by an extra ordinary plane. They stayed up to Oct. 7, 1938 visiting Lake 'Tana' Empress Menen received and talked to ladies of Gondar and donated her money to incourage women.
In July 10, 1939 she sent her crown to Bethlehem church which Jesus Christ was born.
In 1939 Empress Menen allow to be made Gete Semani St. Mary Church at Sebeta which is 23 kms from Addis Ababa. this modern building was started on her private account.
In March 25, 1940 the St. Mary church at Sebeta completed and inaugurated by her. Empress Menen gave estate and residence area for priests and deacons of St. Mary church.
May 21, 1940 she visited Empress Menen's school to initiate student on their academic and handicraft products.
In May 29, 1940 she visited Ambo twon and the surrounding area.
In June 22, 1940 Empress Menen went to Harar for visit. She stayed for 12 days and came back July 5 to Addis Ababa.
In Sept. 1, 1941 Majesty king of kings gave instruction to the people that Ethiopians should wear cultural dress so that the coming generation may follow this as an example. Empress Menen took initiative to wear cultural dress for the first time in new year.
In 1941, on the Empress Zewditu avenue, Empress Menen gave her estate around ourael ara for the school which is named by her beloved daughter princess Zenebework.
In Jan. 24, 1941 Empress Menen traveled by an extraordinary plane to Gondar for the second time. She visited ancient historical places and she donated garments and money for many churches in Gondar.
In Dec. 15, 1941 Empress Menen visited the new St. Trinity Spiritual school as she is a model for spiritual deeds.
In 1942 the 14 sacred books of the church were printed by Empress Menen. The number of books were 3800 which were sold and for 'Sewaswe Berhan' St. Paul school as a donation.
The amount of the money was 19000 from the sales of the books.
Moreover, she gave part of her mothers estate and many houses for the service of the school.
In April 22, 1942 Empress Menen invited was on the inauguration ceremony of Majesty Haile Sellassie I Bridge. This bridge was built across Abay River for the first time.
In July 8, 1942 Empress Menen went to Yerergota district found in Harar province. She stayed there up to July 27 and returned back to Addis Ababa. During her stay she donated and talked to the people of the district.
Empress Menen renewed Gishen church which found in Ambasel Region in Wollo province with here own account. In addition to this she allowed to construct the difficult road which enables for old believers to get access to the church.
Empress Menen reconstructed Boru Trinity church which was devastated by Italian aggressors in Wollo province. She donated Birr 56500.00 from her private account and made the church in modern building in 1943.
In January 8, 1943 she went to Debrezeit to visit Majesty H.Sellassie of Air Force school. She observed the war tactic demonstration at Harameda and evaluated the progress of the cadets of air force.
In Feb. 20, 1943 she was invited guest in the inaugural ceremony of Addis Ababa University college when it was opened for the first time.
In March 10, 1943 she inaugurated Gebremariam school, especially the kindergarten building which is named by princes Azeb Asfa-Wosen.
In June 7, 1943 she visited Empress Menen school and observed the handicrafts output. Empress Menen encouraged and gave her motherly advice to the students.
Empress Menen visited the school found in Nazareth in May 1, 1944.
In June 17, 1944 again she visited different schools found in Nazareth. In June 26 1944 visited different schools found in Nazareth. In June 26, 1944 visited patients in princess Tsahay Memorial Hospital.
In Sept. 24, 1945 she went to Asmara to visits Eritrea after it was converged with the other part of the country. On her visit the people of Asmara received her warmly. Empress Menen talked to ladies of Eritrea and donated and gave prize. She stayed up to Oct. 8 in Asmara then she went to Dessie. She returned back to Addis Ababa on Oct. 18.
In Jan. 14, 1945 she went to Eritrea for the second time and solved different problems.
In April 16, 1945 she is interested to expand the handicraft products, she visited Empress Menen's school She encouraged the students to keep it up.
In may 1, 1945 she put the base stone which is supposed to be constructed a new church around Fitawrari. Habte Giorgis area. The name of the church was St. Raguel building which was started by Empress Menen.
In July 19, 1945 she went to Harar and Dirdawa to visit different official departments. Empress Menen resolved problems which come up from the people.
Empress Menen went to Eritrea for the 3rd time. She received ladies of Eritrea in her palace. She assisted finance to ladies and came back Feb. 3, 1945 to Addis Ababa.
In March 16, 1946 she visited the department of handicraft which is established in Empress Menen School.
Majesty King of Kings went to America in July 16, 1946. As he was invited by President Eisenhower, Empress Menen celebrated majesty's birthday in Genete Leul Palace.
In August 8, 1946 Empress Menen prayed continuously the first fasting of 'Filseta' in Addis Ababa and the second fasting in Harar. She donated finance to priests and stayed up to pagumen 4.
In October 23, 1947 Majesty Haile Sellassie as he went to Europe for friendly visit she celebrated his coronation day nicely.
In Feb. 23, 1947 she awarded certificates to successful graduate nurses in Empress Zewditu Hospital.
His Imperial Majesty and Empress Menen awarded certificate for youth girls who passed the examination successfully.
In Feb. 24, 1947 she visited Empress Menen school.
March 23, 1947 Empress Menen visited Nazareth region and its surrounding area.
In June 3, 1947 Empress Menen went to ambo and visited different schools and clinics which are found Hagere Hiwot.
In July 7, 1947 Empress Menen awarded certificates for successful nurses.
In Oct. 23, 1948 she went to Menagesha St. George church to celebrate the 25th coronation ceremony. Empress Menen thanked for the Almighty God there.
In Dec. 15, 1948 she went to Massawa by an extraordinary airplane to visit Eritrea for fourth time. Then she visited some places found between Asmara and Massawa. Empress Menen presented Christmas gifts for the young ladies of Asmara. She came back to Addis on January 8, 1948.
In January 5, 1948 she visited the nurse school in Asmara which is named by her own name. In this nursing school many Eritrean young ladies are continuing their education and give services in their profession.
Empress Menen as she is generous, bought the land of the former German mission investing hundred thousands of Birr. This institution is found at the East of Debre Selam Medhane Alem church. Empress Menen gathered blind who are orphans around Addis Ababa hired Ethiopian and foreigner teachers. She also assigned guardians for orphan blinds to facilitate their learning teaching process.
Moreover, in this school she constructed additional new building paying 200,000 Birr for 100 boarding students. The building was effective from Dec. 30, 1949.
In April 18, 1949 she celebrated the 25th anniversary of Empress Menen school. On this celebration, there were a lot of people. The school shown progress and gave chance for many girls to be educated.
On this occasion she extended her message through Teferra work to the gathered people.
His Imperial Majesty King of Kings believed that there is nothing better for the development of Country's progress and development except education. In this regard on his willingness he built many schools for boys. But if girls are left behind without having regular education, may have disadvantage. Therefore, I have opened his school for the merit of girls before 25 years since I believe girls should learn as boys.
This school was discontinued by the invasion of enemy against Ethiopia while it was process its own on going objective.
By the grace of God the school resumed its function after the victory. Many girls have got a chance to be promoted at the higher level of education after graduated in this school. Many of them are working in the government offices and in private organizations.
If my country's girls get chance to learn the standard education I hope they can contribute a lot which is expected from them as their brothers.
There were not more than 50 students before 25 years when the school was opened.
But today there are about 1300 students. This number is increasing because girls are aware of the advantage of education I am very happy to see to this progress.
I thank the Almighty God for which I celebrate the 25th of Empress Menen school.
I thank the director of this school and lady teachers for which they share the problem of the school and the progress of the school.In May 3, 1949 Empress Menen went to Sidamo by extraordinary plane and reached in Awasa for a visit.
May 4, 1949 her beloved son prince Mekonnen the "Duke' of Harar died in accident and she came back to Addis Ababa by plane. In May 5, 1949 on the funeral ceremony she felt deep sorrow. Empress Menen was mourned up to pagumen 4, 1949 for the death of her beloved son.
GENERAL REMARK
I have tried to write your generosity, kindness. This book may help the future writers as a basic information. this book may not be complete work of the Empress, but I have tried to mention only some part of it. I restricted my pen here since the future writers may do complete work on this regard.
Even though, my capability is limited to from 1916 to 1928. April 28 then from 1933 up to now (1950) I have got chance to see on my naked eyes her kindness and human deeds. Therefore, I am responsible to transfer this good action for the coming generation and I am very much lucky to write this chronicle. Empress Menen noticed to His Imperial Majesty King of Kings to excuse for those who committed mistake and for those have done good deeds for their country to be promoted and assigned in the government offices.
As she is God fearing Empress, she always prays to God. Every Friday She goes to Mehanealem Church of St. Mark Church for special praying since Friday is a day which Jesus Christ is crucified for the sin of all mankind.
Empress Menen except her childhood she gave her life for good deeds she goes to St. Mark church everyday. She stays up to 9 A.M. praying to god and received monks and nuns came from different churches and monasteries. Empress Menen also give donation her own money for the reconstruction of churches.
When she goes to palace from church, received the women who lost their husbands in the war front and fulfill whatever they demand.
The Author Yared Gebre Michael when he present the book titled "YAFICATSEHAY' (The Sun of Africa) to Emperor and empress on the occasion of the 64th of His Imperial Majesty King of Kings Haile Sellassie's birth day. On this occasion he presented also a special newspaper which prepared by the office.
Empress Menen build many churches and reconstructed like Gishen Mary. Tenta Michael Boru Trinity, Endelba St. George church etc.
Empress Menen is not praying for herself only but also for the pillar of Ethiopia his Imperial Majesty Haile Sellassie, for her country Ethiopia, and for the development of the loyal of Ethiopia.
Empress has never alienated from church' 'Wudasie Amlac, 'Seife Selassie Arganon,' St Mary parrying in gologta. she always reads those books. Empress Menen likes to give attention for interpreted books the church. This shows how she is far sighted and have bright brain.
Empress Menen let the Orphans to learn who live in the area out of the capital city.
Empress Menen shared problems of the poor and always visit patients in hospitals.
Empress Menen believes man is mortal so that she always shares problems of the people and tries to solve. Ethiopian people rely on her.
During the five years of Italian invasion many churches were devastated. Empress Menen has been in a deep sorrow because her beloved children were died. all Ethiopian people shared her grief and sympathized her. As she is strong spiritually, Almighty God gave her strength. She passed each problem patiently. Even though she lost her children she never neglect the country's problem this is well known by Ethiopian people.
Therefore, Ethiopian people love Empress Menen from the bottom of their heart and share the happiness and sadness of her.
On the occasion of 67th of her birth day ceremony all Ethiopian people wish the best for Empress. The whole people expresses the deepest feeling and say happy birthday that His Imperial Majesty king of kings Haile Sellassie is also with you on the ceremony of your birthday.
Ethiopian people wishes the best for your the coming year may elebrated with your princes and princesses children.
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This Book is published on the 28th of the Reign ceremony of His Imperial Majesty Haile Sellassie I King of Kings of Ethiopia
First published in Artistic printing Press
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Filseta is a duration of fasting starting from August 1 to 16 continuously (translator) (return to place in text)