Behold the St. Anne Melkite Greek Catholic Church a beacon of faith and history right here in North Hollywood. This isn’t just another church. It is a co-cathedral holding a special place in the Melkite Greek Catholic Eparchy of Newton.
Founded in 1909 St. Anne Cathedral started as a humble parish. Father Gerasimos Sawaya the first Melkite missionary priest established it. He traveled the West Coast ministering to Melkites. The church quickly became a mother church. It helped establish many other Melkite communities. These included churches in Placentia Temecula and San Diego.
Time marched on and in 1976 the Melkite Greek Catholic Church in the United States achieved a new status. It went from being an Exarchate to an Eparchy. A significant event occurred on May 8 1977. A Patriarchal Liturgy took place at the cathedral. The Melkite Greek Catholic Eparchy of Newton was officially created. Archbishop Joseph Tawil became its leader.
Then came May 20 2015 a day of great honor for St. Anne Melkite Greek Catholic Church. Pope Francis himself declared it a co-cathedral. This recognized its importance within the Eparchy of Newton.
The current St. Anne Cathedral building has stood for 59 years. Its architecture is modern and inspired by Byzantine designs. Inside the church is adorned with iconography. Mosaics and painted icons depict scenes. The Great Feasts of the Byzantine calendar come to life. The semi-circular exterior arcade displays Old Testament scenes.
St. Anne Cathedral is more than a building. It is a vibrant community. It is a place of worship. It connects Melkites across the Western United States. The Eparchy of Newton spans the entire country. Bishop Nicholas requested a co-cathedral on the West Coast. This showed the church’s unity. It also showed his care for the faithful far away.
Today St. Anne Melkite Greek Catholic Church continues its mission. It serves as a spiritual home. It fosters a sense of community. The church office is located at 11245 Rye St North Hollywood. You can reach them at 818-761-2035.
So as you stand before St. Anne Cathedral remember its rich past. Remember its journey from a small parish to a co-cathedral. It stands as a testament to faith community and the enduring power of the Melkite Greek Catholic Church.