Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral (Chicago) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral
The Annunciation Cathedral
Location	1017 N La Salle Dr, Chicago, Illinois
Country	United States
Denomination	Greek Orthodox Church
Membership	400 families
Website	https://annunciationcathedralchicago.org/
Architecture
Construction cost	$100,000 ($3,100,000 in current dollar terms)
Specifications
Number of domes	1
Administration
Archdiocese	Archdiocese of America
Metropolis	Metropolis of Chicago

The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral is a beautiful Greek Orthodox church located in Chicago, Illinois. It is a very important place for the Greek Orthodox community there. It's like the main church, or "mother church," for the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago. The leader of the church in Chicago, called the Metropolitan, has his main office here. About 400 families are part of this church community today.

How the Cathedral Began

A special plaque at the cathedral.

The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral was started in 1892. It was founded by a group of Greek immigrants. These immigrants came from a region in Greece called Laconia and from the Greek Islands.

In 1909, the Greek Orthodox community bought the land where the cathedral now stands. They paid $18,000 for this city lot.

The cathedral building was finished in 1910. The total cost to build it was about $100,000. This church was designed to look like a cathedral in Athens, Greece. It is the oldest building in Chicago that still stands in the style of a Byzantine church.

During the Great Depression, many people faced tough times. The Greek Orthodox community worked together to save their churches from financial problems. They held many events to raise money. Also during this time, the entire building was lifted up from its foundation. It was then moved back to make room for the widening of LaSalle Street.

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