Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral (Chicago) facts for kids
|
Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Cathedral and Rectory
|
|
 |
|
| Location | 1121 N. Leavitt Street Chicago, Illinois |
|---|---|
| Built | 1903 |
| Architect | Louis Sullivan |
| NRHP reference No. | 76000693 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
|
| Added to NRHP | March 16, 1976 |
The Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral is a special church in Chicago, Illinois. It's the main church for the Orthodox Church in America Diocese of the Midwest. This beautiful building is one of only two churches ever designed by Louis Sullivan. He was a very important architect from the late 1800s and early 1900s. The cathedral is recognized as a historic place in the U.S. and a Chicago Landmark.
Contents
A Historic Church
How the Church Started
The Holy Trinity Cathedral was built for a growing group of Orthodox Christians in Chicago. These people were immigrants from places like Carpathian Rus', Galicia, and the Balkans. They settled in a neighborhood now called Ukrainian Village. This church is one of only two Orthodox churches still serving the community there.
Building the Cathedral
Building the church cost money, and some important people helped out. Tsar Nicholas II of Russia (who was a saint) donated about $2,700. Louis Sullivan, the architect, also gave some of his fee, about $1,250. He even donated a fancy chandelier.
The church looks like old Russian buildings. It has an eight-sided dome and a bell tower in the front. Many people believe the immigrants wanted the church to remind them of the small, cozy buildings they left behind. A small wooden church in Siberia might have inspired the design.
Sullivan's Special Touches
Louis Sullivan added his own unique style to the traditional Russian design. You can see his influence in the decorations above the main entrance. His style, called Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts, also shows in the window frames, roof, bell tower, and domes.
A Recognized Landmark
The Holy Trinity Cathedral is featured in many books about church architecture. It was blessed by Saint Tikhon of Moscow. In its early years, Saint John of Chicago (Kochurov) guided the church spiritually.
In 1923, the church became a cathedral. Today, it is an important part of the Orthodox community in Chicago. Priest Alexander Koranda leads the church as part of the Orthodox Church in America.
Services and Tours
Church Services
The main church service, called the Divine Liturgy, happens every Sunday at 9:30 AM. Before that, the Hours are sung starting at 9:10 AM. The Liturgy is also held at 9:30 AM on special Feast days. On Saturdays, a service called Vigil is held at 5:00 PM.
Visiting the Cathedral
You can take a tour of the Holy Trinity Cathedral almost every other Saturday. You can also arrange a special tour by appointment. More information is available on the cathedral's website: [1].
Gallery
-
Holy Trinity Cathedral, exterior, Chicago, Illinois
-
Holy Trinity Cathedral, interior, Chicago, Illinois
-
Interior showing the iconostasis
-
-
-
-
-
