St. Nicholas Cathedral (Washington, D.C.) facts for kids
St. Nicholas Cathedral (which in Russian is Russian: Свято-Николаевский собор) is a very important church in Washington, D.C.. It is the main church for the Orthodox Church in America. This means it's where the church's leader, Archbishop Tikhon, who is also called the Metropolitan of All America and Canada, has his main office.
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What is St. Nicholas Cathedral?
St. Nicholas Cathedral is a special kind of church called a cathedral. Cathedrals are usually the main churches in a region and are often very large and beautiful. This cathedral is part of the Orthodox Church in America, which is a Christian church with a long history.
How did the Cathedral Start?
The church began in 1930 as a smaller church called the Russian Orthodox Church of Saint Nicholas. After World War II, in 1949, church leaders decided to make it a National War Memorial Shrine. This meant it would be a special place to remember those who served in the war. They started raising money to build a much bigger and more impressive Orthodox church in the capital city of the United States.
When was the Cathedral Built?
The land for the cathedral was bought in 1951. The first part of the building, the basement, was finished in 1954. Church services were held there while the rest of the church was being built. The main part of the cathedral was completed in late 1962. Later, in 1988, a bell tower was added. This tower celebrates 1,000 years of Christianity in Russia.
What Does the Cathedral Look Like?
The design of St. Nicholas Cathedral is inspired by a very old church in Russia. It looks like the St. Demetrius Cathedral in Vladimir, which was built in the 12th century. This style often includes grand domes and beautiful artwork.
Inside the Cathedral: Icons and Art
Starting in 1991, talented artists from Moscow came to paint the inside of the cathedral. These artists, led by Alexander Maskalionov, painted many icons throughout the main part of the church, called the nave. Icons are special religious paintings that are very important in Orthodox churches. This detailed artwork was finished in 1994.
Where is the Cathedral Located?
The cathedral is located at 3500 Massachusetts Avenue NW in Washington, D.C. It's right at the corner of Edmund Street. If you're using public transportation, several buses stop nearby. The 31, 32, and 36 buses stop close by, and the 37, N2, N3, N4, and N6 buses stop right outside the cathedral at the Massachusetts Avenue-Edmunds Street intersection. While there isn't a Metro station directly at the cathedral, you can walk from several nearby stops like Woodley Park, Cleveland Park, and Van Ness-UDC.
