Saint Sophia Cathedral, Los Angeles facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral
Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral, looking northeast
Location	1324 S. Normandie Avenue, Byzantine-Latino Quarter Los Angeles, California
Country	United States
Denomination	Greek Orthodox
Website	www.stsophia.org
History
Status	Active
Architecture
Heritage designation	Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument #120
Designated	June 6, 1973
Style	Byzantine Revival—Renaissance Revival
Completed	1952
Specifications
Capacity	750
Administration
Archdiocese	America
Metropolis	San Francisco

The Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral is a beautiful Greek Orthodox church in Los Angeles, California. It was built in 1952. In Greek, its name is Hagia Sophia, which means 'Holy Wisdom'. You can find it in the Byzantine-Latino Quarter of the city.

History of Saint Sophia Cathedral

This Greek Orthodox church has an interesting story connected to Hollywood. Three brothers, Charles Skouras, Spyros Skouras, and George Skouras, were working to become successful in the movie business. Charles Skouras made a promise that if he became successful, he would build a grand church.

He later became the head of Twentieth Century Fox, a major movie studio. Keeping his promise, he built the Saint Sophia Cathedral in Los Angeles. In 2005, a special church service was held there. It included music from children at an orphanage in Tijuana, Mexico.

Architecture and Design

The outside of the cathedral has a style called Byzantine Revival. It also has touches of Renaissance Revival design. The inside of the church has many more fancy decorations. Saint Sophia Cathedral is considered an important building. It is listed as a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument.

South side of Saint Sophia Cathedral

Church Community

The church still has a large Greek community. About 1,000 people come to services from all over Los Angeles and Orange Counties. Unlike some other big cities, the Greek community in Los Angeles is spread out.

Many famous people from Hollywood have been part of this church. The funeral for actor Telly Savalas was held here. Also, Dr. Tom Apostle and actress Sharon Lawrence were married at the church in 2002.

Well-Known Members

• George Chakiris
• Telly Savalas
• Tom Hanks
• Rita Wilson
• Peggy Stevenson — She was a member of the Los Angeles City Council from 1975 to 1985.

See also

• List of Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monuments in South Los Angeles