Ascension Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Oakland facts for kids
| Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension | |
| Location | Oakland, California |
|---|---|
| Country | United States of America |
| Denomination | Greek Orthodoxy |
Quick facts for kids Administration |
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| Archdiocese | Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America |
| Metropolis | Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco |
The Ascension Greek Orthodox Cathedral is a special church in Oakland, California. It's an Eastern Orthodox Christian church. You can find it at 4700 Lincoln Avenue.
Contents
History of the Cathedral
Early Beginnings in Oakland
The church community started in 1917. At first, they met in a rented hall. Later, they built the very first Greek Orthodox church in the East Bay.
This first church was called the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church. It opened on May 21, 1921. You could find it on Brush Street in Downtown Oakland.
Moving to a New Home
By 1960, the church community had grown a lot. Their old building was too small for everyone. So, they moved to a new location in the Oakland hills.
The new church was dedicated on December 11, 1960. It was renamed to honor the Ascension of Our Savior. This is where the church stands today.
Becoming a Cathedral
In February 1992, the church became a cathedral. A cathedral is a very important church. It is the main church for a bishop.
Today, the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension is very large. It has over 1,200 members. These members include people from six generations of families. It is the biggest Greek Orthodox community in the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco.
Special Icons and Events
Beautiful Icons
The cathedral has many unique and beautiful religious paintings. These are called icons. One very special icon is of Jesus the Pantocrator. This means Jesus the "Almighty" or "Ruler of All."
This icon of Jesus is the largest Orthodox icon of Jesus in all of North and South America. It is truly impressive to see.
Church Leaders
Reverend Father Thomas J. Paris was the pastor of the Ascension church for almost 40 years. He served from 1971 until he retired. Now, Reverend Father Tom Zaferes is the pastor and dean of the cathedral.
A new small chapel is being built on the church grounds. It will be dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.
Oakland Greek Festival
Every year, the cathedral hosts a big Greek food and culture festival. It usually happens the weekend after Mother's Day. The festival takes place right on the church grounds.
This event is one of the largest Greek festivals in the United States. You can enjoy many different Greek foods there. There are also cultural displays, Greek dancing, and live music. It's a fun way to experience Greek culture!
