Construction dust settled in 1932. Holy Trinity Cathedral opened its doors. It became the largest Eastern Orthodox church in the Western Hemisphere.
Let’s explore this Neo-Byzantine-style cathedral. It is located on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Holy Trinity serves as the national cathedral. It represents the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. It is also the episcopal seat. Archbishop Elpidophoros of America resides here.
Holy Trinity Cathedral’s story began in 1891. The first location was part of an Evangelical church. It was on West 53rd Street. The rent was $50 per month. This marked the second Greek Orthodox church in the Americas. It was the first in New York City.
In 1904, Holy Trinity relocated. It moved to a Gothic Episcopal church. This was at 153 East 72nd Street. Tragedy struck in 1927. The East 72nd Street church burned down.
Two years later, land was purchased. A new church was built in Byzantine style. The cost was $577000. Eleanor Roosevelt laid the cornerstone. This was on September 14, 1931. Holy Trinity moved to its current location. That was on March 4, 1932.
Patriarch Athenagoras I of Constantinople consecrated Holy Trinity Cathedral. The date was October 22, 1933. He called it the Cathedral of all of Hellenism in America. In 1949, the Cathedral School was established. It was designated the archdiocesan cathedral in 1962.
September 18, 1999, was a significant day. Archbishop Demetrios was enthroned. He became primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in America.
The cathedral’s dean had some turbulent times. The Rev. Robert Stephanopoulos was demoted in January 1999. Archbishop Spyridon of America relieved him of his duties. By late 1999, he regained his position. Stephanopoulos retired in 2007. He had served as dean for 25 years. Frank Marangos then became the new dean. In 2012, Anastasios Gounaris took over.
Holy Trinity has seen notable figures within its walls. Opera singer Maria Callas was baptized here in 1926. In 2001, television journalist George Stephanopoulos married comedian Alexandra Wentworth here.
The architecture of Holy Trinity Cathedral is impressive. The exterior features Romanesque Revival red brick and limestone. Kerr Rainsford, John A. Thompson, and Gerald A. Holmes were the architects. They also designed Hunter College Uptown, now Lehman College.
Inside Holy Trinity, Byzantine mosaics catch the eye. Botticino marble adorns the walls. It also covers the columns and altar. Imported Italian stained glass adds color. Georgios Gliatas created the iconography on the dome. He was a student of iconographer Fotis Kontoglou.
Holy Trinity Cathedral is more than just a building. It is a vibrant community. It serves as a home parish for 800 families. Dignitaries and visitors are welcomed. Regular worship services are held. Sunday school, afternoon school, and Bible study are offered. Various ministries and fellowship organizations thrive here.
Walking around Holy Trinity Cathedral today, one senses its rich history. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a national cathedral, it has been a beacon of faith and community. Its stunning architecture and beautiful interior reflect the enduring spirit of Greek Orthodoxy in America.