A Beacon of Orthodoxy

Holy Trinity had its beginning when a small community was established in 1882 as St. Vladimir’s. The first services were held in a house on North Noble Street and later in a rented house on Racine (then Centre) Street near Madison Street. The community then consisted of a small group of Orthodox immigrants from Carpatho-Russia and Galicia.

In its early years of existence, the cathedral parish served as a catalyst for the establishment of several other Orthodox parishes in the Midwest. It has served as a means of uniting Orthodox immigrants in the Chicago area, providing the guidance and leadership for several of the Midwest’s Orthodox parishes. It is the See cathedral of the diocese of the Midwest of the Orthodox Church in America.
 

“Go therefore, and make disciples” Matthew, 28-19

In 1895, Fr. John Kochurov, a young and energetic priest from St. Petersburg, Russia, arrived to care for the Chicago parish and began to make plans for a new church and rectory. Funds were granted from Russia’s Holy Synod and Tsar Nicholas gave a personal gift of $4,000 to the building fund. Attracted by a model Orthodox chapel exhibited at the Columbian Exposition in 1893, many wealthy Chicagoans gave additional gifts, and the search for an architect began.

A Chicago Landmark is Born

By the time Louis Henry Sullivan was asked to design the cathedral and parish structures, he had earned a reputation for being one of America’s most renowned architects. In designing this church, Sullivan undoubtedly studied the designs of numerous contemporary Russian churches, however, archival references show that a small wooden church in the village of Tatarskaya in Siberia served as inspiration for his final design.

The cornerstone for the new church was laid on March 31, 1902, and the new structure was consecrated by Bishop Tikhon of the North American mission of the Russian Orthodox Church on March 25, 1903. (Bishop Tikhon upon his return to Russia was elected as patriarch of the Orthodox Church of Russia and later died as a confessor to Christ.) Holy Trinity was designated a cathedral in 1923. In the late 1970’s, the cathedral building and rectory were listed on the National Register and received official designation as a Chicago Landmark.


A Community United

Now, more than 100 years later, Holy Trinity Cathedral continues to be dedicated to serving the people of God in the spirit of Christian love and witness. Holy Trinity does not confine its services to those of Slavic descent. A growing number of converts have been received into Orthodoxy at our cathedral.

Repair – Remodel – Restore – Renew

Over the years, some deviation has occurred from Louis Sullivan’s original design. A desire to return to his intended design, as well as provide a more useful space for both the parish and larger community, has moved the parish to solicit architectural plans for a complete restoration and remodeling. These plans would incorporate recommendations offered in a 2002 building study from the firm of Johnson-Lasky.

To date, repairs to the roof and stucco, as well as the installation of a new heating system, have been completed. The parish has begun fundraising efforts to help cover the cost of the restoration work (estimated at approximately $2,000,000) to include a new slate roof, new metal work/detailing around windows, a new canopy over the front door, and replacement of the existing stucco.

Our Church is Our Spiritual Home

We, the parish family of Holy Trinity, feel blessed to have been given a house of worship of such spiritual and architectural importance. Being aware of a structure so magnificently designed, but most importantly, a temple where saints have walked and are among that great cloud of witnesses, we live in constant awe and gratitude for this gift. We realize however, that it is not ours to keep to ourselves, but as good stewards, to maintain and preserve it for those who are yet to follow. We must accept this responsibility and commit ourselves not only to the proper restoration of this House of God, but also to constant examination of how those in our cathedral parish and also those in the community are served and edified.


Schedule of Services:

• Saturday Evening              4:30 pm  Vigil
• Sunday Morning                9:30 am  Divine Liturgy
• Eves of Great Feasts        7:00 pm  Vigil
• Mornings of Great Feasts  9:30 am  Divine Liturgy