Consider the irony. London, a city known for its Anglican churches, also houses a stunning Greek Orthodox Cathedral of St Sophia. Dedicated to the Holy Wisdom, St Sophia stands as a testament to the thriving Greek community that once settled around Paddington, Bayswater and Notting Hill.
St Sophia wasn’t the first of its kind in London. Two previous churches, also named St Sophia became too small for the growing Orthodox population. The bustling shipping routes to London brought settlers from the Greek diaspora. This influx spurred the need for a grander, more permanent place of worship.
Commissioned by a committee led by Emmanuel Mavrocordato, the construction of St Sophia cost £50,000. The Greek community raised this sum in just three years. Prosperous merchants and financiers contributed generously. The first liturgy was celebrated on June 1, 1879. Eustratios Ralli laid the first stone a year and a half prior. Today, a small museum displays treasures donated by 19th-century patrons. These items highlight the church’s deep ties to London’s Greek community.
In 1922, St Sophia gained prominence. The Greek Ecumenical Patriarchate designated it as the Cathedral of the Metropolis of Thyateira and Great Britain. This encompassed all Orthodox Christians across the British Isles and Malta.
During World War II, London became the seat of the Greek government in exile. As a result, St Sophia served as the cathedral of the Greek Nation. The church was bombed during the Blitz. However, it was subsequently repaired.
Architecturally, St Sophia is a Byzantine Revival masterpiece designed by John Oldrid Scott. From the outside, the cathedral appears modest. Yet, the domed roof and arched windows hint at the treasures within. Inside, polychromatic marble creates an elaborate and awe-inspiring space.
Ludwig Thiersch, who studied religious painting in Athens, painted the iconostasis. He advised against frescoes due to London’s damp climate. Instead, Byzantine-inspired mosaics were commissioned from G M Mercenero & Co. A G Walker designed these mosaics. Later, in 1926, Boris Anrep added more mosaics.
Step inside St Sophia. See the intricate details of the carved mahogany pulpit. Marvel at the brass and wood icon stands with canopies. Notice the clergy seating. It is also elaborately carved and adorned with metalwork. Even the radiator covers are beautifully designed.
The interior is ravishing with its huge central dome. Gilt mosaics, green, black, white and pink marble and Orthodox iconography adorn the Greek cross plan. Arthur George Walker created the mosaics in the spandrels and dome. The firm of G. M. Mecenero and Co. prefabricated the mosaic panels in their workshop.
The wooden iconostasis was designed by Scott himself. Farmer and Brindley, a well-known London firm, intricately carved and inlaid it. Professor Ludwig Thiersch painted its panels.
The figures are drawn in a softened Victorian style. Examples of this are Moses and Aaron, seated at either side of the Sanctuary arch. These contrast with the standing figures added later by Boris Anrep.
As you leave St Sophia, remember its rich history and cultural significance. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Greek community in London. It is a symbol of faith. It is an architectural gem.