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 is an Eastern Orthodox cathedral, which means it's a very important church in its area. You can find it at 4700 Lincoln Avenue.
Contents
History of the Cathedral
Early Beginnings in Oakland
The community that started this church first came together in 1917. For a while, they met in a rented hall. They worked hard to build their own place of worship.
Building the First Church
On May 21, 1921, the first Greek Orthodox church in the East Bay opened. It was called the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church. This church was located 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 spot in the Oakland hills. On December 11, 1960, the church was re-dedicated. It was given a new name: the Ascension of Our Savior.
Becoming a Cathedral
In February 1992, the church became a cathedral. This means it became the main church for the Greek Orthodox community in the area. The Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension has grown from a group of mostly immigrants to a large community. Today, it includes people from six different generations. With over 1,200 members, it is the biggest Greek Orthodox community in the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco.
Special Features and Events
Unique Icons and Art
The cathedral is known for its amazing collection of Orthodox icons. These are special religious artworks. One of the most impressive is the icon of Jesus the Pantocrator, which means "Almighty." It is the largest Orthodox icon of Jesus in all of the Americas.
Church Leaders
Reverend Father Thomas J. Paris was the pastor of Ascension for almost 40 years, starting in 1971. He retired after many years of service. Currently, Reverend Father Tom Zaferes is the pastor and dean of the cathedral. A new 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. This festival is one of the largest of its kind in the United States. Visitors can enjoy many kinds of Greek foods, see cultural exhibits, watch Greek dancing, and listen to live music. It's a fun way to experience Greek traditions!
Learn More Online
- Ascension website
- Official website: https://www.ascensioncathedral.com/
- Ascension Historical Committee
- Oakland Greek Festival
- Kivotos Modern Greek Language school at the Ascension
- Cathedrals of California
