Glance up. The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral of New England stands as a testament to faith and community. This is more than just a building. It’s a symbol of Hellenic heritage in the heart of Boston.
Founded in 1903, the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral of New England is one of the oldest Greek Orthodox parishes in the United States. It proudly holds the distinction of being one of the first cathedrals in the Western Hemisphere. This sacred place is the “Mother Church” for the Greek Orthodox faithful throughout New England.
Back in 1890, Greek immigrants in Boston formed the Plato Society. Their goal was to help fellow newcomers connect through fellowship, education and worship. The first liturgy was celebrated that same year. By 1899, they were holding regular services.
In 1907, the community bought a building. It became the Annunciation parish. It served as both a church and a parochial school until 1924. In 1916, they acquired land for a new church building. Construction took place from 1923 to 1924. The style? A dignified classical revival.
The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral of New England became a cathedral in 1923. Fr. Joakim Alexopoulos was elected the first bishop of Boston. He later became Metropolitan of Demeriados. The cathedral has seen several of its clergy rise to prominence. Fr. Athenegoras Cavadas became the Bishop of Boston. He was also the first Dean of Holy Cross Theological School and later Archbishop of Thyateira. Fr. James Coucouzes became Bishop of Melita. From 1959 to 1996, he served as Archbishop of North and South America. In 2014, Fr. Cleopas Strongylis was elected Metropolitan of Sweden.
The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral of New England has been a place of continuous worship since 1923. The parish purchased land in Brookline in the early 1970s. It now houses a chapel, cathedral offices, the Cathedral Center Hall, and the Metropolis of Boston offices.
Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral of New England stands as a Boston landmark. Its architecture is Byzantine. It features a large central dome and four smaller domes. Inside, soaring arches are supported by immense pillars of classic Greek design. Stained glass windows from 1943 and crystal chandeliers add to its visual splendor.
Since its establishment, the cathedral has fostered unity within the Greek Orthodox Church in America. It has always supported the Ecumenical Patriarch. It backed the unification of the Greek Orthodox Church under a central authority. The church has also developed youth programs.
The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral of New England offers many activities. Services take place every Sunday morning. Services are also held on Saints’ feast days. The cathedral hosts a Greek School. It teaches Greek language and Hellenic history. It also has a Sunday School. This teaches Greek Orthodox religion. Other organizations include a Youth Association, the Cathedral Choir, the Senior Guild, and the Philoptochos Society.
As you leave, remember the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral of New England. It has maintained its historical prominence and spiritual commitment for over a century. The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral of New England continues to be a beacon of faith and Hellenic culture.