Beneath the red brick and buff terracotta dressings of this Romanesque Revival building lies a story of faith and resilience. I’m thrilled to share the tale of the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Holy Family. It stands here in Mayfair.
Originally designed by Alfred Waterhouse in 1891, this building wasn’t always a cathedral. It was first home to the King’s Weigh House congregation. They were Congregationalists.
Fast forward to 1967. The Ukrainian Catholics purchased the building. It became the headquarters for their apostolic exarchate. Pope Pius XII had created it in 1957.
Adjustments were made to suit the Catholic liturgy. An east window with glass by Robert Anning Bell was added. Also, a confessional by J. F. Bentley from Westminster Cathedral found its new home here. The Holy Family Catholic Church received Grade II* listed status in 1970. It recognized its architectural and historical importance.
The Holy Family Catholic Church is dedicated to the Holy Family. They fled into Egypt. This cathedral serves as the seat of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Eparchy of the Holy Family of London. It’s a place of worship and a symbol of community.
In 2007, tragedy struck. Part of the ceiling collapsed. The Holy Family Catholic Church closed temporarily. Fortunately, the iconostasis crafted by the Ukrainian monk Juvenalij Mokrytsky remained unharmed. The church was refurbished and reopened.
A significant moment arrived in 2013. Pope Benedict XVI elevated the exarchate to an eparchy. It’s equivalent to a full bishopric. The Holy Family Catholic Church officially became a cathedral.
The cathedral plays a vital role for the British Ukrainian community. Especially during difficult times. In 2022, it became a rallying point during the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Political and religious figures addressed the community here. Bishop Kenneth Nowakowski welcomed them all.
The Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of the Holy Family switched to the Gregorian calendar on September 1 2023. This changed the way they celebrate Easter.
Today, the Holy Family Catholic Church stands as a testament to faith. It represents community and architectural beauty. Its history reflects the journey of the Ukrainian Catholic community in the United Kingdom. The Holy Family Catholic Church continues to be a beacon of hope.