Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (Philadelphia) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cathedral of theImmaculate Conception |
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 Location in Pennsylvania
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| 39°57′58.95″N 75°9′0.91″W / 39.9663750°N 75.1502528°W | |
| Location | 830 N. Franklin St. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Country | United States |
| Denomination | Catholic Church |
| History | |
| Founded | 1886 |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Julian K. Jastremsky |
| Style | Byzantine Revival |
| Completed | 1966 |
| Specifications | |
| Capacity | 1,810. |
| Length | 172 feet (52 m) |
| Width | 128 feet (39 m) |
| Nave width | 104 feet (32 m) |
| Height | 106 feet (32 m) |
| Number of domes | 5 |
| Dome height (inner) | 106 feet (32 m) |
| Dome diameter (outer) | 100 feet (30 m) |
| Materials | Limestone Architectural concrete |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Archeparchy of Philadelphia |
The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is a special church called a cathedral. It belongs to the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. You can find it in the Poplar neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the United States. This cathedral is the main church for the Ukrainian Catholic community in the area.
Contents
History of the Cathedral
Early Ukrainian Immigrants
Many people from a region called Ruthenia started moving to the United States in the late 1870s. These people were Catholics who followed the Byzantine Rite, a different way of worship. A Ruthenian priest came to America in 1884. He blessed their first church building in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania.
Founding in Philadelphia
The first Ukrainian immigrants in Philadelphia settled in an area called Northern Liberties. They started the Immaculate Conception parish in 1886. This was the beginning of their community in the city.
Building the New Cathedral
In 1964, plans were made to build a new, bigger cathedral. Some people wanted it built in the suburbs. However, Archbishop Ambrose Senyshyn decided to build it where the old church stood. He hoped this would help improve the neighborhood.
The first stone for the new cathedral was placed on October 16, 1966. This stone even included a piece from St. Peter's tomb. Pope Paul VI had given this special stone to Archbishop Senyshyn. Later, Pope John Paul II visited the cathedral on October 4, 1979.
Cathedral Architecture
Design and Style
The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception was designed by Julian K. Jastremsky. Its style is called Byzantine Revival. This means it looks similar to old Byzantine buildings. The design was inspired by the famous Hagia Sophia in Istanbul.
The Dome and Mosaics
The cathedral has a large central dome. This dome is covered with tiny, shiny Venetian glass tiles. These tiles are made with 22 karat gold fused into the glass. Inside the dome, there is a beautiful mosaic of the Pantocrator, which is a depiction of Christ.
Around the bottom of the dome, there are 32 windows. These windows show the symbols of different regions of Ukraine. They also show the symbols of popes, bishops, and religious groups. These groups helped the Ukrainian Catholic church grow in the United States.
Sanctuary Art
The wall in the sanctuary (the main worship area) has a mosaic of the Theotokos, which means "Mother of God." Below this, there is a mosaic showing the Last Supper. To the right of the Last Supper mosaic, you can see a scene from the Gospel of Luke called Emmaus. To the left, there is a mosaic of the Visitation of the Holy Trinity from the Book of Genesis.
The stained glass windows in the sanctuary show 12 six-winged angels. These angels are described in the Book of Isaiah.
The Iconostas
The Iconostas is a special screen covered with icons. It was designed by Chrystyna Dochwat. In the middle are the Royal Doors. These doors have a picture of the Annunciation and icons of the Four Evangelists.
- To the right of the Royal Doors, you'll see icons of Christ the Teacher, St. Stephen (on the deacon door), and St. John the Baptist.
- To the left, there are icons of the Mother of God with baby Jesus, St. Michael the Archangel (on the deacon door), and St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.
Above the Royal Doors, there is an icon of the Last Supper. At the very top of the Iconostas, you can see a picture of the crucifixion and an icon of Christ the King.
Crypt
Below the main sanctuary of the cathedral, there is a crypt. This is a special burial place. It holds the remains of some of Philadelphia's Ukrainian Catholic bishops:
- Bishop Soter Ortynsky, OSBM
- Archbishop Constantine Bohachevsky
- Archbishop Ambrose Senyshyn, OSBM
- Archbishop Stephen Sulyk
See also
In Spanish: Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción (Filadelfia) para niños
