Category: Statements

The Crown Council of Ethiopia awarded Melake Selam Haddis Woldeyesus the Medal of The Imperial Society of St. George of Lalibela. The award was made at the Launching Ceremony of the Imperial Society of St. George of Lalibela and the Commemoration of HIM Emperor Haile Selassie’s Birth Date which was held on 23rd July 2004, at Charleston South Carolina.

Melake Selam Haddis was recognized for his contribution to uphold and promote the importance of Ethiopia’s ancient history, the people’s deep rooted Orthodox Christian faith, and the country’s historic heritage under the Monarchy, all of which have been closely interlinked for many centuries.

The Honorable Mussie Hailu was given the both the Medal of the Imperial Society of St. George of Lalibela and the first Annual Award for his outstanding contribution to support Development and Humanitarian Programmes and for his tireless effort to promote peaceful coexistence at the national, regional and international levels.

All Ethiopians should be proud of individuals of such integrity and dedication.

At the Launching Ceremony of the Imperial Society of St. George of Lalibela, both Prince Bekere and Prince Ermias were delighted to receive the request from the Luso Ethiopian Friendship Association in Portugal for all 100 members of the Association to also become members of the Imperial Society of St. George of Lalibela.

The Portuguese Association was formed during the visit of HIH Prince Ermias Sahle Selassie to Portugal, in August 2003. Since then, close ties have been established with the Duke of Braganza and members of the Luso Ethiopian Friendship Association.

Prince Ermias said that “This major step by members of the Portuguese Association to become the first members of the Imperial Society of St. George of Lalibela bears witness to the long existing friendship between the peoples of Portugal and Ethiopia. It also establishes the new Luso Ethiopian Friendship Association on solid grounds.”

THE IMPERIAL SOCIETY OF ST. GEORGE OF LALIBELA CURRENTLY INACTIVE

One hundred distinguished guests participated in the Launching Ceremony of the Imperial Society of St. George of Lalibela and the Commemoration of the 112th Birth of HIM Emperor Haile Selassie I, on July 24th 2004.

Former Ambassadors, retired US Army and Air Force Generals, Church leaders, Industrialists, University Professors, Doctors and renowned Artists, some of whom came from as far away as California, attended the ceremony. Ethiopians professionals participated with their families dressed in Ethiopian traditional dress, which added meaning and festivity to the occasion.

Messages of Welcome were received from the Mayor of Charleston Joseph P. Riley, Jr., and from Governor Mark Sanford of South Carolina. Furthermore, His Holiness Pope John II; King Juan Carlos of Spain; The Duke of Braganca of Portugal; H.E Dr. Asfa Wossen Asrate Kassa, Chairman of the Executive Board of Orbis Aethiopicus in Germany; and Mr. Joseph Brumit, former Manager of Ethiopian Airlines during the reign of Emperor Haile Selassie, all sent messages of Congratulation. Prince Ermias announced that Lij. Estifanos Mengesha Seyoum, who had planned to attend the ceremony but was unable to do so, had expressed his regret to him over the telephone, and added that he was supportive of the Mission of the Imperial Society of St. George of Lalibela.

Prince Bekere Fikre Selassie in his Welcoming Address expressed his heart felt thanks to all those who had helped the Crown Council to come this far and also give it hope to be worthy to meet the challenge of the responsibility entrusted to it. Prince Bekere said “As each of us is called upon to give back what he has received from his country, the educated man possesses precious assets of infinite value both to himself and his nation, which he must also share with humanity,”

Both the morning presentation on “The Current Situation of Ethiopia” by Melake Selam Haddis Woldeyesus and the afternoon session on “The Case of Ethiopia” by The Honorable Mussie Hailu were well attended. The Video Presentations and the Question and Answer Sessions made the meeting more participatory. Many of the participants expressed interest to join the Society and also promised to recruit other members. Some participants also said that they will visit Ethiopia to see the historical and religious sites.

The major message of Melake Selam Haddis’s presentation was that “During the time of Emperor Haile Selassie, religion was accepted to be a private matter and the whole territory of the country was believed to belong to all Ethiopians. It is a great pity that our country is now regressing to separatism when the whole world is increasingly becoming one.” He added “I most sincerely believe that if the Ethiopian people are widely made aware of the efforts made to dismantle their traditional form of peaceful coexistence, they will not choose turmoil over peace.” Furthermore, he said “major collective action needs to be taken soon by all Ethiopians, as none of us whether Christian, Muslim, Jewish or other, will be able to escape the adverse impact that will result if things fall apart.”

In concluding Melake Selam Haddis added that Ethiopian history, its ancient Orthodox Church and the Monarchy still have relevance to the Ethiopian way of life. He said that “History is the base from which we learn our previous mistakes, and on which we build our future plans. Our religion is the root of our core being that maintains us steadfast to overcome all adversity and also helps to propel us to achieve higher goals. The System of Government under the Monarch is Ethiopia’s heritage that can still be used to serve the people, even without being part of the Government of the day.”

The major message of the Hon. Mussie Hailu’s presentation was the importance of national unity and effective leadership at all levels. He said that “Throughout its history, it (Ethiopia) has remained the focus of outside invaders. Particularly since the 16th century, it has repulsed time and time again the aspirations of expansionists and colonial powers. Its various nations, nationalities and people, have linked together for centuries, intermingling and interacting with each other. For the last century they have stood together during peace and adversity as one country. Through this unity, heroism and sacrifice, Ethiopia has remained the only non-colonized state in Africa becoming the beacon of independence and freedom for Africa, and colonized peoples around the world.”

Speaking about leadership, Hon Mussie Hailu said that “to alleviate poverty requires committed leadership at all levels of society, from the village to district, state to national and international communities.” Talking about the need to eradicate poverty he added that “we should bear in mind that people in poverty must be empowered through organization and participation in planning and in implementation of the issues that affect them, thus ensuring they become partners in the overall development process.”

In his Keynote Address which was the major highlight of the event, Prince Ermias stated that the objective of the Imperial Society of St. George of Lalibela is to preserve the ancient history of Ethiopia, its peoples deep rooted Orthodox Christian faith and also the country’s heritage of its administration under the Monarchy.” He said that “history has proved that HIM Emperor Haile Selassie was, indeed, a great man who has left his undeniable mark on his country, Africa, the Caribbean and on the whole world.” He added that since his appointment as President of the Crown Council in 1993, “we have contributed to rehabilitate the name of my distinguished grandfather Emperor Haile Selassie I, and we have also kept the Imperial Family engaged in Ethiopian Affairs, even in the Diaspora.”

Furthermore, Prince Ermias pointed out that “due to lack of a well established office and administrative machinery, we are regrettably losing a great deal of opportunity to assist our country.” Thus, he emphasized the need to establish a well staffed office in Addis Ababa to help the Imperial Society of St. George of Lalibela and the Haile Selassie Fund for Ethiopian Children to direct aid from the world for Development Projects in Ethiopia. The Prince also announced his plan to request all Heads of all Christian Churches to Launch a Joint Appeal to request for the return of all religious and cultural artifacts that had been taken out of Ethiopia during the Communist regime and kindly requested all the participants to assist in this major undertaking

The Meeting of the Society will be an Annual Event that will be held on HIM Haile Selassie’s birth date on July 23rd of each year. The Annual Meeting in July 2005 will be held in Washington, DC. The Members of the Society are requested to organize subsequent meetings in their respective regions.

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In his Keynote Address, at the Black Tie Dinner given to Launch the Imperial Society of St. George of Lalibela and to Commemorate the 112th Birth of HIM Emperor Haile Selassie I, on July 24th 2004, at Charleston South Carolina, HIH Prince Ermias Sahle Selassie, President of the Crown Council, made the first public announcement that the Crown Council has decided to change its direction from the realm of politics to cultural preservation, development, and humanitarian programmes. 

Prince Ermias said that the decision was reached by the Crown Council after extensive discussion during 2003 and 2004. He added that it had proved to be a wise decision as it has already opened the door for closer cooperation with the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and the Ethiopian Community in the USA. Furthermore, it will enable the Crown Council to promote that additional assistance be given for Development Programmes in Ethiopia.

More detailed information will be posted in the Current Events section of this website. All relevant websites will be adjusted accordingly to reflect this decision.

Prince Ermias Sahle Selassie, Patron of the Haile Selassie Fund for Ethiopian Children is delighted to announce that, on May 12th, 2004, the Ministry of Justice of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, registered the above Foundation in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

In order to expedite the establishment of the Foundation’s Headquarters in Addis Ababa, it is presently registered as the “Haile Selassie Aid Ethiopia” and has been granted a Certificate of recognition bearing the number 1590. As soon as all the requirements under the Ethiopian law are fulfilled, the name will be changed to “The Haile Selassie Fund for Ethiopian Children”, so as to be in line with the name by which it is known worldwide.

Prince Ermias extends his warm Congratulations and his heart felt thanks to all those who had worked tirelessly to bring the Foundation back home.  

On May 8th, 2004, HIH Prince Ermias Sahle Selassie attended the Graduation ceremony at La Roche College, Pennsylvania, of five more scholarship recipients from the Haile Selassie Fund for Ethiopian Children. Out of the twenty-two full scholarships granted through the Foundation, to date, fourteen students have received their BA Degree. The remaining eight are due to graduate in 2005.

At the luncheon organized by the Ethiopian group to celebrate the Graduation, the students and their parents expressed their heart-felt thanks to Prince Ermias for having given the students the opportunity to gain higher education. Furthermore, the students pledged to be of service to their country.

In turn, Prince Ermias expressed his appreciation to the students for having been such good Ambassadors for their country. He also thanked Mr. Tsegaye Kassa and Mr. Abey Tedela who had accompanied him to the Graduation, as well as others who were not present at the Graduation, but who had helped the students in various ways to benefit from higher education. These include: Board Members of the Pacem in Terris Institute at La Roche College in Pennsylvania; Dr. Richard Stevens; Ms. Mary McDavid; Major General Oliver Peacock; Mr. Noah Samara; Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Copley; Mr. Mussie Hailu; Mr. Giovani Ruffini; and Mr. Dawit Yohannes.

A Message to All Ethiopia

The Crown Council of Ethiopia wishes all Ethiopians, and all supporters of Ethiopia, peace, health and the blessings of unity during this Holy Season of Christmas and Timkat and the Feast of Eid el-Fitr. The closeness of these blessed events of both Ethiopia’s main religions this year should be seen as yet another sign urging Ethiopians to work with renewed vigor for the unity of our beloved country, for tolerance between our various communities, and for a revival of the prosperity and peace of Ethiopia and Ethiopians.

We pray for an end to the differences which have beset the various Ethiopian communities since 1974, and particularly we look forward to an end to hostilities between Ethiopia and its brothers in Eritrea. But at all costs, we pray for, and fight for, the unbreakable unity of Ethiopia and the Ethiopian People.

Christmas, Timkat and Eid el-Fitr are times of optimism, and there is real cause for hope that, in the coming months and year, the great strands of Ethiopian historical culture and society will once again come together in ways which are both totally new and productive. For this to happen, all elements of Ethiopian society must come together in a spirit of reconciliation, of respect for tradition as well as respect for new thoughts.

The Ethiopian Crown Council, as one of the traditional elements of Ethiopian culture and the representative of the Solomonic dynastic line which is the world’s oldest institution, has been reinvigorated during the past year by a constant process of dialogue with many elements in our society. It has benefited also from support from the world community, particularly through increasingly vigorous support from charitable organizations, many of which have seen many non-Ethiopians unite with Ethiopians to help preserve Ethiopia’s culture and to recognize its importance to African, Western and Middle Eastern civilizations. The international community is becoming more familiar with the richness and unique importance of Ethiopia’s culture, history and geopolitical importance to the entire world.

For perhaps the first time in the 26 years since the bloodshed and regicide of the Dergue, we can look toward a future in Ethiopia which shows signs of a great national reconciliation. The Crown Council is, as always, ready to play its role in this process, and calls God’s Blessings and Mercy upon all Ethiopians, all who love Ethiopia, and even upon those who have in the past sought to harm us. Ethiopia will prevail. The Solomonic Crown, which has come to us through an unbroken line from King David, King Solomon and Queen Makeda of Sabae, will also prevail. And the People’s of Ethiopia will once again live in peace and prosperity.

In the meantime, we cannot relax our efforts to build a better, safer and happier society. We must be extremely conscious to avoid the marginalization of some elements of our society: we must work to become an inclusive society in which Ethiopianness is the umbrella which brings us all together. This will in turn help to ensure that Ethiopia as a whole is not marginalized in the international political and economic community; we must not allow regional pressures to obscure the fact that Ethiopia is the key to the stability of the Horn of Africa and the Nile Nations, as well as to the security and stability of the Red Sea shipping lanes. To be able to undertake our historic role, we must therefore ensure that we develop our Armed Forces to the point where they can not only defend Ethiopia’s integrity, but help to ensure the stability of the region. We are only at the beginning of this process. But this important effort will go hand-in-hand with the evolution of our political prestige, through a commitment to free and fair elections, in turn leading to a greater voice for Ethiopia in African, Middle Eastern and world affairs.

We also must commit ourselves to a renewed war against the HIV and AIDS viruses, which are already causing havoc in our society. Ethiopia, for the sake of national stability and the preservation of our way of life, must unite to fight the HIV/AIDS menace. This means a widespread commitment to public education, something which is not only the responsibility of government but also of the Church, the Mosques and all civic organizations.

We know what we must do to make Ethiopia a better, safer haven for us all. And we see signs of optimism. At this conjunction of Holy Days, we can see that God is again ready to smile upon Ethiopia. God Bless our Beloved Country and its People.

ns and Supporters of Ethiopia During This Holy Season

The Crown Council of Ethiopia, the Constitutional body and traditional Ethiopian institution which represents the Crown of Ethiopia during an interregnum and which advises ruling Ethiopian Monarchs, calls upon all Ethiopians to support the proposed final interment of His Late Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie I in such a way that the event will not only reflect the glory and dignity of Ethiopia’s traditions but will also create a new climate of national pride and unity to begin the nation’s re-birth.

The solemn occasion of His Majesty’s interment beside his Beloved Empress, and in his chosen resting place at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Addis Ababa, should serve notice that the Ethiopian People, conscious and rejoicing of their rights to political and communal differences, reaffirm the unique strength and value of their unified society under God.

The Crown Council further calls upon all World Leaders to take the opportunity of the proposed interment to recall the commitment to the collective security of the world made by Ethiopia under Emperor Haile Selassie. His Imperial Majesty and the Ethiopian People dedicated themselves to regional and international stability, for decades fighting fascism and international aggression alongside the leaders of the United Nations, and striving to ensure the stability and freedom of the vital trade routes of the Red Sea.

Africa and the free world had no greater friend in history, nor more loyal symbol of inspiration, than Emperor Haile Selassie, and the time has now come for the world community to pay tribute to him and his People.

However, it is fitting that the Funeral of His Majesty should also be the re-birth of the social, strategic and economic momentum which Emperor Haile Selassie began for Ethiopia, for the region and for Africa. The Funeral marks not the end of the era of Emperor Haile Selassie, but the start of a new age, building upon the positive legacy which he began.

Ethiopia today faces threats to its unity of a type which even the Italian invasions of 1896 and 1935 did not bring forth. Ethiopia today needs the unity which was rejuvenated by Emperor Tewodros following the mayhem of the Age of Princes — the Zemene Mesafint — and which was maintained by Emperor Yohannes who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country’s integrity. It was under Emperor Menelik II that Ethiopia was introduced to modern education, a policy which Emperor Haile Selassie pursued as one of the prime objectives of his reign. Thanks to this remarkable journey of enlightenment, our diverse society is now be able to entertain a broad spectrum of debate which in turn makes feasible a vibrant democracy and a potentially thriving economy. All which we now require is the faith in each other and the overall unity of purpose — to which ends the Emperor dedicated his entire life — which will demonstrate our resolve to maintain Ethiopia’s sovereign integrity and thereby provide the stability and durability to encourage the restoration of international faith and investment in our uniquely valuable country.

By restructuring the Ethiopian State along modern lines, His Majesty ensured the survival of the world’s oldest living institution, the Solomonic Crown. By ensuring Ethiopia’s integrity and pride, His Majesty also ensured that Africa would have a beacon of African culture shining against foreign colonialism.

It is for these reasons and many others that the Crown Council urges the Ethiopian and World communities to think deeply upon the impending Funeral of His Imperial Majesty; to prepare for it as an opportunity to pay tribute to his towering rôle as a leader; and to begin, 26 years after his death, to re-commence the march of Ethiopia toward its rightful place as a prosperous, united community, bringing peace to the region.

Gathering at Washington’s Dulles International Airport on September 23, 1999, were eight of the Haile Selassie students who were brought to the United States on the Pacem In Terris scholarships at La Roche College. They were all nominated and sponsored by the Haile Selassie Fund for Ethiopia’s Children, of which HIH Prince Ermias (in tie, center) is co-patron with his wife, HIH Princess Gelila Fesseha. Crown Council supporter Seyoum Aberra was on hand (left) to help greet the students, as was Ato Kifle Melaku (second from right), who was there to greet one of his sons, Abraham Kifle Melaku (extreme right), one of the scholarship winners. Other supporters of the Crown were also at the airport for what was an extremely happy occasion. Woyzerit Mestewwat Matewos Sugebo, one of two female scholarship winners, is shown second from left holding up the welcome sign which greeted the students as they arrived. The other students shown here are: Brothers Ermias Hailu and Endrias Hailu (wearing the Ethiopian tricolors), Amin Mohammed Yassin, Ana Fuad Ousie, Henok Mulualem Gebrehiwot, and Shakir Fuad Mohammed.

Eleven of Haile Selassie students chosen for Pacem In Terris Scholarships have arrived in the United States to start their studies. The students, who were all selected by the Haile Selassie Foundation for Ethiopia’s Children, will spend four years at La Roche College, in Pittsburgh, in the United States, graduating with Bachelor degrees. They have all committed to return to Ethiopia upon graduation to apply their learning to improving conditions in Ethiopia.

Eight of the students — shown here — arrived in Washington DC from Addis Ababa on September 23, 1999, en route to Pittsburgh, and were greeted at Washington’s Dulles International Airport by the Patron of the Haile Selassie Foundation, HIH Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie Haile-Selassie, President of the Crown Council of Ethiopia. The students were originally scheduled to go to La Roche’s new sister college in Texas, but this campus was not yet completed, and so the scholarships were transferred to the main La Roche campus in Pittsburgh.

Two of the 11 students who have arrived are from the Ethiopian diaspora: one from Germany, the other from Maryland in the US. Another student had already arrived from Addis Ababa.

Ethiopian Crown Council Enderassé HH Prince Bekere Fikre-Selassie sent greetings to the students on their arrival in the US, and both he and Prince Ermias — along with other Crown Council officials — plan a special reception for the Haile Selassie student contingent when they have settled down in Pittsburgh. Prince Bekere has made education one of his key areas of focus within the Crown Council. Prince Ermias, meanwhile, has committed with Princess Gelila Fesseha, the co-patron of the Haile Selassie Fund for Ethiopia’s Children, to a regular schedule of visits to Pittsburgh — where he is also a Director of La Roche College — to provide support and counselling for the students.

The Ethiopian Crown Council today sent greetings to Ethiopians on the occasion of Inqutatash — Ethiopian New Year — and called on all Ethiopians to agree on an urgent period of respite from ethnic and communal conflict in the Ethiopian community of nations so that urgent issues of poverty, health-care, education and national unity could be addressed.

“Ethiopians have now endured more than two decades of hardship since the death of His Imperial Majesty Empror Haile Selassie I. We now must all work together to overcome all of the obstacles of war, natural disaster, poverty, inadequate education, disunity, and disease to reclaim our rightful place of health and happiness in the world,” the President of the Crown Council, Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie Haile-Selassie, said in the New Year Greeting.

“It is not only possible for us to achieve victory over these hardships, it is essential. We have suffered for too long. We all know what we must do: we must work together,” Prince Ermias said. “We must have national healing within so that we can defend the threats from without.”

“Ethiopia remains under threat from many man-made problems, such as the ongoing war between Eritrea and Ethiopia, and fratricidal conflicts conducted by minority groups. We must not only deal with with these problems by demonstrating the mutual bonds which link all Ethiopian peoples, we must begin to address the underlying causes of the conflicts. The Administration must show faith in the Ethiopian peoples by encouraging expressions of unity and by encouraging cooperation and interaction among all the various peoples of Ethiopia, instead of by encouraging ethnic rivalry and separation. This would, more than anything else, create a sense of national purpose, and, indeed, have Ethiopians rallying around a productive and popular Government.”

“We can no longer afford to live in division and mutual suspicion,” the Crown Council statement said.

“It is at this time of renewal — this New Year — when Ethiopians must learn to respect and enjoy the greatness of each of the national peoples, each of the great religions of Ethiopia, and each of the great cultures and languages of our peoples,” Prince Ermias said. “The Crown and Crown Council of Ethiopia are the Crown and Crown Council of all Ethiopians, and represent the important symbols of Ethiopianness: unity, prosperity, security, and strength. And the Crown Council — the only legal and Constitutional body representing the Solomonic Crown of Ethiopia during the interregnum — will continue to work for national unity, national strength, for improved education and welfare, and for the perpetuation of the great Ethiopian culture,” Prince Ermias said.

The Ethiopian Crown Council today sent greetings to Ethiopians on the occasion of Inqutatash — Ethiopian New Year — and called on all Ethiopians to agree on an urgent period of respite from ethnic and communal conflict in the Ethiopian community of nations so that urgent issues of poverty, health-care, education and national unity could be addressed.

“Ethiopians have now endured more than two decades of hardship since the death of His Imperial Majesty Empror Haile Selassie I. We now must all work together to overcome all of the obstacles of war, natural disaster, poverty, inadequate education, disunity, and disease to reclaim our rightful place of health and happiness in the world,” the President of the Crown Council, Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie Haile-Selassie, said in the New Year Greeting.

“It is not only possible for us to achieve victory over these hardships, it is essential. We have suffered for too long. We all know what we must do: we must work together,” Prince Ermias said. “We must have national healing within so that we can defend the threats from without.”

“Ethiopia remains under threat from many man-made problems, such as the ongoing war between Eritrea and Ethiopia, and fratricidal conflicts conducted by minority groups. We must not only deal with with these problems by demonstrating the mutual bonds which link all Ethiopian peoples, we must begin to address the underlying causes of the conflicts. The Administration must show faith in the Ethiopian peoples by encouraging expressions of unity and by encouraging cooperation and interaction among all the various peoples of Ethiopia, instead of by encouraging ethnic rivalry and separation. This would, more than anything else, create a sense of national purpose, and, indeed, have Ethiopians rallying around a productive and popular Government.”

“We can no longer afford to live in division and mutual suspicion,” the Crown Council statement said.

“It is at this time of renewal — this New Year — when Ethiopians must learn to respect and enjoy the greatness of each of the national peoples, each of the great religions of Ethiopia, and each of the great cultures and languages of our peoples,” Prince Ermias said. “The Crown and Crown Council of Ethiopia are the Crown and Crown Council of all Ethiopians, and represent the important symbols of Ethiopianness: unity, prosperity, security, and strength. And the Crown Council — the only legal and Constitutional body representing the Solomonic Crown of Ethiopia during the interregnum — will continue to work for national unity, national strength, for improved education and welfare, and for the perpetuation of the great Ethiopian culture,” Prince Ermias said.

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