Could you imagine fleeing the scourge of Bolshevism? Many did. These immigrants founded Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral in 1932. They sought refuge in a new land. The Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral stands as a testament to their resilience and faith.
Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral is one of the oldest parishes of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia in the United States. The original name was Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic Church.
Russian immigrants established it. Many were naval officers under the Tsar. They received blessings from Archbishop Tikhon of San Francisco and Western America. They formed a Russian Orthodox community and built a church.
Visiting priests from San Francisco and Los Angeles initially served the community. Later, Very Reverend Archpriest Michael Nikolaevsky became the first rector. After his death, Very Reverend Archpriest Michael Danilchik took over. He oversaw the construction of the church.
Archbishop Tikhon of Western America consecrated the newly constructed Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral on December 19 1937. It was dedicated to Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker of Myra in Lycia. It served as a memorial to Tsar Nicholas II, his family, and all Russians who died defending their faith, Tsar, and country.
More Russian Orthodox faithful settled in Seattle after escaping turmoil abroad. World War II and the Japanese occupation of Manchuria drove many Russians from Asia and Europe. After Communism spread to China in 1947, Russians in Shanghai and Harbin fled economic and political hardships.
Saint John of Shanghai and San Francisco rescued many from refugee camps. The camps were on Tubabao Island in the Philippines. They resettled in various locations including the Western American Diocese and Seattle.
Bishop Nektary became the first vicar bishop of Seattle in the early 1960s. The church became designated as a cathedral. Bishop Kyrill held this position from 1992 until 2001. He then became the Archbishop of San Francisco and the Western American Diocese. In 2008, Bishop Theodosy was appointed vicar bishop.
Saint John of Shanghai and San Francisco often served at Saint Nicholas Cathedral. He reposed here in Seattle in 1966. The room where he reposed is now a small chapel. It is dedicated to his memory. English liturgies are held in the chapel bi-weekly.
Saint Nicholas Cathedral has hosted several significant church events. These include the Russian Orthodox Choir Musician’s Conference and the clergy conference of the Western American Diocese. The Cathedral has been blessed by visits from many Russian Orthodox dignitaries.
Saint Nicholas Cathedral strives to keep alive the spirit of its founding fathers. They were a political emigration. However, the parish’s purpose was mutual help. It was about uniting members in faith to achieve salvation. This happened through community prayers and rituals. It also happened through rules established by the Church.
May the Cathedral flourish as a beacon of Orthodoxy. This is achieved through the prayers of Saint Nicholas, Saint John of Shanghai and San Francisco, the Holy Royal Martyrs and Russian, and Saint Spiridon of Tremithous. Saint Spiridon is considered the patron saint of this city.
Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral stands as a testament to faith, resilience, and community. Its history is rich with stories of escape, dedication, and devotion. It continues to be a beacon of Orthodoxy.