“Did you know that this very spot once housed a completely different congregation?” I ask. The Cathedral of St. Sava stands before us a testament to history’s layered narratives. Before it was the Serbian Orthodox Cathedral it was Trinity Chapel. Built in 1855 this building served Episcopalians. Prominent New Yorkers even attended services here. Edith Wharton herself was married within these very walls in 1885. Her famous novel The Age of Innocence even features Trinity Chapel.
The Cathedral of St Sava’s transformation began in 1943. The Serbian community purchased Trinity Chapel. They renamed it in honor of St Sava the first Serbian archbishop. Over the decades this church has become more than just a place of worship. It has developed into a cultural and educational hub. It hosts lectures concerts and youth activities. People travel from all over to attend services. On holidays as many as 1000 people gather here.
The Cathedral of St. Sava is a designated national landmark. The stunning stained glass windows still remain. Intricate patterned tiles adorn the floors. Murals from the 1920s decorate the walls alongside the pews. A gorgeous rose window has been painstakingly restored. Even traces of the building’s Episcopalian past are visible. The intricately carved wooden pulpit is one such remnant. A magnificent hand-carved iconostasis stands as a centerpiece. It was painted by a renowned Russian iconographer and transported from Yugoslavia. This breathtaking piece separates the sanctuary from the rest of the church.
However this beauty comes at a cost. Maintaining a structure of this age and significance requires substantial resources. A recent fifteen-year 4 million dollar roof restoration project is a testament to this ongoing effort. The church community along with grants managed to raise all the funds. Now the church hall built in 1868 needs similar attention.
The Cathedral of St. Sava is intrinsically linked to Serbian history in New York. A statue of Nikola Tesla stands outside. He was buried by a priest from St. Sava. Though he never saw the cathedral itself he was a vital member of the New York Serbian Orthodox community. Other notable figures like Michael Pupin and St Bishop Nikolai Velimirovich were also influential early members.
Sadly a devastating fire in 2016 caused significant damage. Fortunately no one was inside at the time. The loss of this beautiful historic building was mourned by the entire city. It is a stark reminder of the fragility of history and the importance of preservation. Yet even after this loss the spirit of the Cathedral of St. Sava endures. Its legacy of faith community and cultural richness continues to thrive. The story of St. Sava is one of resilience transformation and the enduring power of faith.