Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral (Chicago) facts for kids
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Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Cathedral and Rectory
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| Location | 1121 N. Leavitt Street Chicago, Illinois |
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| Built | 1903 |
| Architect | Louis Sullivan |
| NRHP reference No. | 76000693 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | March 16, 1976 |
Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral is a very important church in Chicago, Illinois. It serves as the main church for the Orthodox Church in America's Midwest region. This special building is one of only two churches ever designed by Louis Sullivan. He was a famous architect from the late 1800s and early 1900s. The cathedral is recognized as a US National Historic Place and a Chicago Landmark.
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History of the Holy Trinity Cathedral
Building the Church
The Holy Trinity Orthodox 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.
The church's construction received help from far away. Tsar Nicholas II of Russia donated about $2,700. The famous architect Louis Sullivan also helped by donating part of his fee. He even gave an amazing chandelier for the church.
Design and Inspiration
The church's design reminds people of small, old churches from Russia. It has an octagonal (eight-sided) dome and a bell tower at the front. Some believe it looks like a small wooden church in a Siberian village called Tatarskaya.
Louis Sullivan added his own special touches to the design. You can see his unique style in the decorations above the main entrance. His designs also appear on the windows, roof, and bell tower. These elements show influences from the Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts art styles.
Important People and Recognition
Many books about church architecture feature the Holy Trinity Cathedral. It was consecrated, or made sacred, 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 continues to be a central part of the Orthodox community in Chicago. It is the main church for the Diocese of Midwest of the Orthodox Church in America.
Services at the Cathedral
The main church service, called the Divine Liturgy, happens every Sunday at 9:30 am. Before that, there is singing of the Hours starting at 9:10 am. The Divine Liturgy is also held at 9:30 am on special Feast days. On Saturdays, an evening service called Vigil takes place at 5:00 pm.
Tours of the Cathedral
You can often take a tour of the Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral. Tours are usually held almost every other Saturday. You can also arrange a special tour by making an appointment.
Gallery
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Holy Trinity Cathedral, exterior, Chicago, Illinois
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Holy Trinity Cathedral, interior, Chicago, Illinois
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Interior showing the iconostasis
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