Did Czar Lazar ever imagine his name would grace a cathedral in Detroit? Here we stand before St. Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Cathedral “Ravanica,” a testament to Serbian faith and perseverance in the heart of America. St. Lazarus Church isn’t just a building. It’s a living story, echoing with the voices of generations past. The original Ravanica Monastery in Serbia, built by Czar Lazar himself, became a symbol of Serbian resistance against Ottoman oppression. Our Detroit Ravanica carries that same spirit, a sanctuary for Serbian identity amidst a new world.
The Detroit Serbian community’s story began on Christmas Day, 1915, with the arrival of Reverend Dusan S. Trbuhovich. He laid the groundwork for St. Lazarus Church, holding the first services in a rented building. The first St. Lazarus Church building, completed in 1934 after years of struggle and even a near foreclosure, became the heart of Serbian life in Detroit. The iconostasis, a stunning three-tiered altar screen, arrived as a gift from Novi Sad, Yugoslavia. Can you picture the women of the parish, tirelessly baking and fundraising to keep their dream alive?
The community thrived, even through the hardships of the Great Depression and World War II. St. Lazarus Church welcomed waves of Serbian refugees after the war, offering solace and a connection to their heritage. The vibrant Serbian Singing Society “Ravanica” filled the church with their voices. They even helped establish the Serbian Singing Federation, preserving Serbian musical traditions in America. The church’s growth led to the establishment of new Serbian parishes in Windsor, Monroe, and Ecorse.
By the 1960s, St. Lazarus Church had outgrown its original home. A new, grand cathedral was envisioned on Outer Drive. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on April 11, 1965, with the burial of a seven-foot wooden cross signed by every parishioner. This new St. Lazarus Cathedral, consecrated in 1967, stands before us today. The original church wasn’t forgotten. Its iconostasis was carefully dismantled and reassembled within these very walls.
St. Lazarus has been more than just a place of worship. It has hosted national Serbian sporting events, music festivals, and even important church gatherings. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of the Serbian community in Detroit, a vibrant thread in the tapestry of American culture. So as you gaze upon St. Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Cathedral, remember the echoes of history, the struggles, the triumphs, and the unwavering faith that built this sacred space.