Greek Orthodox Cathedral of St facts for kids
St. Luke's Greek Orthodox Cathedral is a special church called a cathedral for the Greek Orthodox Church. You can find it in the Dowanhill area of Glasgow, Scotland.
Contents
History of the Cathedral
From Belhaven Church to Greek Orthodox
The building was first built in 1877. It was designed by James Sellars. At that time, it was called Belhaven Church. It was used by the United Presbyterian Church of Scotland. The church was built in a style called Norman Gothic. It looked a bit like Dunblane Cathedral.
Later, in 1929, the church joined the Church of Scotland. People worshipped there until 1960.
Becoming a Greek Orthodox Church
After 1960, the Church of Scotland no longer needed the building. This was because the Belhaven Church joined with another church nearby. So, the building was changed into a Greek Orthodox Church. Sir Reo Stakis paid for this important change. He had also helped pay for the city's first Greek Orthodox church in 1953. That one was much smaller.
On May 24, 1970, a very important leader, Patriarch Nicholas VI of Alexandria, visited St. Luke's. He was in Glasgow for a big meeting. He made St. Luke's a Cathedral. This was approved by another major church leader, the Ecumenical Patriarch. A special marble plaque remembers this day. It has gold writing and is near the entrance.
On July 7, 1996, another important leader, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, visited. He led a special church service there.
Other Cathedrals in Glasgow
Glasgow has other cathedrals too. These include St. Andrew's Cathedral, which is Roman Catholic. There is also St. Mary's Cathedral, which is Episcopalian.
Glasgow Cathedral is also in Glasgow. However, it is not a Cathedral Church anymore. This is because it is no longer the main church for a Bishop.
Here are some other churches nearby:
- Jordanhill Parish Church (Church of Scotland)
- Kelvinside Hillhead Parish Church (Church of Scotland)
- St. John's Renfield Church (Church of Scotland)
- St. Mary's Cathedral (Scottish Episcopal Church)
- Wellington Church (Church of Scotland)