Posted January 7, 2025

Reverend Addisalem T. Mekonnen, Pastor, Saint Martin de Porres Parish, Philadelphia, and Chaplain, West Catholic High School, died suddenly on Saturday, December 21, 2024.

Father Mekonnen was born on January 1, 1982, in Ethiopia. He is the son of Teshager Mekonnen and Tsadu Abai. Father Mekonnen attended Saint Francis de Sales Elementary School, and Parkway Gamma High School, before entering Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary.

Father Mekonnen was ordained on May 16, 2015, at The Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, Philadelphia by Most Reverend Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. Father Mekonnen
served as Parochial Vicar, Nativity of Our Lord, Parish, Warminster, Saint Anselm Parish, Philadelphia, and Saint Martin de Porres Parish, Philadelphia. In June 2021 he was appointed Parochial Administrator, at Saint Martin de Porres Parish, Philadelphia, and in 2023 he was named Pastor.

The Reception of the Body will be held at Saint Francis De Sales Church, Philadelphia, on Friday, December 27, 2024, at 8:00 AM followed by a viewing. Most Reverend Nelson J. Perez will celebrate the Funeral Mass for Father Mekonnen at Saint Francis De Sales Church, Philadelphia, on Friday, December 27, 2024, at 10:30 AM. Reverend Daniel Arechabala will be the homilist.

Father Mekonnen is survived by his parents Teshager, Tsadu, brothers, Tesfay, Eskiar, Eyob, Solomon (Rutha,) Semere (Ivorie,) and Daniel Amalak. Several nephews and nieces.

Interment will be at Saints Peter & Paul Cemetery in Springfield, Pennsylvania.