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 beautiful Ukrainian Greek Catholic cathedral located in the Poplar neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. It serves as the main church for the Archeparchy of Philadelphia. This means it's the most important church for Ukrainian Catholics in this area.
History of the Cathedral
Many people from a group called Ruthenians started moving to the United States in the late 1870s. These Ruthenians are Catholics who follow an Eastern Catholic church tradition, known as the Byzantine Rite.
The first Ruthenian priest came to the U.S. in 1884. He blessed their first church building in Pennsylvania. The earliest immigrants to Philadelphia settled in an area called Northern Liberties. They started the Immaculate Conception parish in 1886.
In 1964, plans were made to build a new, bigger cathedral. Some people wanted the new church to be built in the suburbs. However, Archbishop Ambrose Senyshyn decided to build it right where the old church stood. He hoped this would help make the neighborhood lively again.
The first stone, called the cornerstone, was placed on October 16, 1966. This special stone even contains a piece from St. Peter's tomb! Pope Paul VI gave this piece to Archbishop Senyshyn. Later, Pope John Paul II visited the cathedral on October 4, 1979, which was a very important event.
Amazing Architecture
The cathedral was designed by Julian K. Jastremsky. It was built in the Byzantine Revival style, which means it looks like old Byzantine buildings. It was even inspired by the famous Hagia Sophia in Istanbul.
The main dome of the cathedral is covered with tiny, shiny Venetian glass tiles. These tiles are made with 22-karat gold fused into the glass, making them sparkle! Inside the dome, there is a large mosaic of the Pantocrator. This is a picture of Jesus Christ as the ruler of all.
Around the bottom of the dome, there are 32 windows. These windows show the symbols of different regions in Ukraine. They also show the symbols of popes, bishops, and religious groups who helped the Ukrainian Catholic church grow in the United States.
On the wall of the sanctuary (the main holy area), there is a mosaic of the Theotokos. This is a special image of Mary, the Mother of God. Below her, there is a mosaic of the Last Supper, which shows Jesus eating with his disciples. To the right of the Last Supper mosaic, you can see a scene from the Gospel of Luke about 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 angels with six wings, just like they are described in the Book of Isaiah.
The Iconostas is a special screen that separates the sanctuary from the rest of the church. It was designed by Chrystyna Dochwat. In the middle of the Iconostas are the Royal Doors. On these doors, you can see a picture of the Annunciation, which is when the Angel Gabriel told Mary she would have Jesus. There are also icons (holy pictures) of the Four Evangelists (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John).
To the right of the Royal Doors, there are icons of Christ the Teacher, St. Stephen (the first martyr), and St. John the Baptist. To the left, you'll find icons of the Mother of God with baby Jesus, St. Michael the Archangel, and St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. Above the Royal Doors, there is an icon of the Last Supper. At the very top of the Iconostas, there is a picture of the crucifixion and an icon of Christ the King.
The Crypt: A Resting Place
Below the main sanctuary of the cathedral, there is a special underground room called the crypt. This is where the remains of some of Philadelphia's Ukrainian Catholic bishops are laid to rest. These include:
- 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
