Saint Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral

Amidst the vibrant tapestry of Philadelphia, the Saint Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral stands as a testament to faith and resilience. This magnificent structure, located at the corner of North Fifth and Independence Streets, has witnessed nearly a century of history. The Saint Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral’s story began in 1925 as a humble Ukrainian Orthodox community dedicated to St. Andrew the First-Called Apostle. Originally chartered in 1928 as St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Church, this sacred space became the Episcopal See of the first Ukrainian Orthodox Bishop of the USA, His Beatitude Metropolitan-Archbishop John Theodorovich. The community thrived at its initial location on Germantown Avenue and Berks Street. It housed not only the church but also a residence, the “Dnipro” print shop, a credit union, and a diocesan seminary. Of the many priests who served the Saint Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, Rt. Rev. Protopresbyter John Sawchuk stands out for his long service and instrumental role in establishing the printing department and assisting with the seminary program. As demographics shifted, so did the needs of the community. In 1965, under the guidance of Metropolitan John, the Cathedral relocated to its current location. The Neo-Byzantine style edifice we see today was designed by Nick Chimes and constructed by the DeLoro Construction Firm under the supervision of Joseph Podgursk. Construction began on November 1, 1965, and culminated in the consecration of the new Saint Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral on September 11, 1966. The ceremony was led by Metropolitan John Theodorovich, assisted by Bishop Alexander (Novitsky), Cathedral Vicar Rt. Rev. Protopresbyter John Sawchuk, Fr. Stephen Bilak, and local clergy. In 1971, after the passing of Metropolitan John, Archbishop Mstyslav (Skrypnyk) ascended to the position of Metropolitan. In 1972, Archimandrite Constantine (Theodore Buggan) was ordained to the Episcopacy. With the fall of the Soviet Union and the subsequent liberation of Ukraine, Mstyslav (Skrypnyk) became the first Patriarch of Kyiv and All Ukraine in 1990. His efforts focused on unifying the church in Ukraine and gaining global canonical recognition. Following Patriarch Mstyslav’s passing in 1993, Archbishop Constantine became the Archpastor of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA. In 1995, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA gained canonical recognition by the Ecumenical Orthodox Church, solidifying its place within the broader Orthodox community. The Saint Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral continues its mission. It serves as a spiritual haven for generations of Ukrainian Americans. It also stands as a beacon of hope and faith, carrying the torch of Orthodoxy into the future.