On Sunday, May 27, Christ the Saviour Orthodox Cathedral, located on N.W. 77 Court in Miami Lakes, was formally consecrated by His Eminence, Archbishop Alexander. This marks the completion of a building project that began in the late 1980's when the parish moved to Miami Lakes from N.W. 99 Street.
The consecration service included prayers by the Archbishop and visiting clergy, followed by the blessing and anointing of the temple walls. After the Divine Liturgy, a banquet was held next door in the Stoyka Hall. Parishioners and supporters from Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina and Texas joined the celebration. Dignitaries were also in attendance, including Administrator of the Diocese of the South, Father Gerasim Eliel, Chancellor of the Diocese of the South Father Marcus Burch, mayor of Miami Lakes Manny Cid and Marta Diaz, from the Miami Lakes Chamber of Commerce.
The cathedral is unique in South Florida. Hand-painted frescoes (icons) adorn the interior walls, covering the ceiling and walls entirely. The team of icon painters who completed the work was lead by Dimitri Shkolnik. The art took 10 years to complete. The elaborate woodwork inside the temple was hand-carved, and along with the chandelier, was imported from Greece.
“This place is a hidden gem, right in the middle of Miami Lakes,” said an admirer at the consecration.
Founded in 1962 by the late Father George Gladky, the cathedral has continued to grow, providing a home to Orthodox Christians from Russia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Bulgaria, Greece and other nations. The cathedral has also played a role in reaching out to others interested in the teachings and religious traditions of Orthodoxy. Former rector of the cathedral, Father Philip Reese, oversaw the building project that has now reached completion. Father Joseph Lucas, who has been serving as associate priest at the cathedral since 2011, has been appointed the new rector of the cathedral.
For more information on Christ the Saviour Cathedral, visit www.OrthodoxMiami.org.