Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Pacific (Honolulu) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sts. Constantine and Helen Cathedral |
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| Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Pacific | |
Front view of the Cathedral
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| 21°18′21″N 157°50′50″W / 21.30576°N 157.84728°W | |
| Location | Honolulu, Hawaii |
| Country | United States |
| Denomination | Greek Orthodox |
| Website | [1] |
| History | |
| Status | cathedral |
| Founded | 1969 |
| Consecrated | 1990 |
| Administration | |
| Archdiocese | Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America |
The Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Pacific is a special church in Honolulu, Hawaii. It is a Greek Orthodox cathedral, which means it's a main church for a group of churches.
Contents
History of the Cathedral
This cathedral has an interesting history in Hawaii. It started with a special church service and grew into the important place it is today.
Early Beginnings
In 1965, a very important church leader named Archbishop Iakovos of America visited Honolulu. He led the first "divine liturgy" there. This is a special worship service in the Greek Orthodox Church.
Soon after, in 1969, the first group of church members was formed. They called themselves the Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church. Father Dean Gigicos helped start this first church at 17 Old Pali Place.
The church was named after two important historical figures: Constantine the Great and Saint Helena. They were famous for their contributions to Christianity.
Growing and Moving
By the 1980s, more and more people joined the church. The first building became too small for everyone. So, the church needed a bigger place to gather.
In 1988, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese bought the land where the cathedral stands now. This new location offered more space for the growing community.
Consecration of the Cathedral
The new church building was officially "consecrated" in 1990. This means it was formally dedicated for holy use. Archbishop Iakovos returned to lead this important ceremony.
He was helped by many other church leaders. These included two Metropolitan bishops, two bishops, two priests, and an archdeacon. It was a very special day for the community.
Who Attends the Cathedral?
The cathedral is a welcoming place for many different people. Its members come from various backgrounds.
Diverse Community
The church community includes people of Greek, Slavic, and Arabic Orthodox Christian faiths. It also welcomes many local people who have chosen to become Orthodox Christians.
Languages Used
During church services, you might hear different languages. The main services are held in English. However, parts of the service are also spoken in Greek and Slavonic. This helps everyone feel connected to their heritage.
Community Events
The cathedral is not just a place for worship. It also hosts fun events for the whole community.
Annual Greek Festival
Every year, the church organizes a popular Greek Festival. This event takes place at Ala Moana Beach Park, which is close to Waikiki. It's a great way for people to learn about Greek culture. Visitors can enjoy Greek food, music, and dancing.
