Historic Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New Orleans, LA has a long history stemming back to the 1800s. In 1866, the pioneers of the area tried to put together enough initiative and interest to start New Orlean's first Greek Orthodox Church in America. Their early attempts failed due to a lack of funding and financial support. Nicholas Benachi offered his home as a temporary location for the new church they were planning. In 1866, the congregation purchased the lot from Benachi for $1,200, which gave them the beginning they needed. This allowed them to start the first Greek Orthodox Church in the Western Hemisphere. They started with the church, a parish house, library and cemetery.
The first congregation began with Serbian, Greek, Russian and Syrian faith when it was called the Eastern Orthodox Church of Holy Trinity. In 1920, the name was changed to the Hellenic Orthodox Church, which was shortly after the congregation stated only Greek priests with Syrian and Russian language knowledge could be priests there.
The followers continued to grow until the church was too small, prompting them to build a new church in 1950. This church also had to be relocated, which it was in 1985 when a new cathedral was built with help by the Hellenic Cultural Center.
The Cathedral was badly damaged by Hurricane Katrina. The parishioners and volunteers helped to rebuild and collect donations for the restoration of the cathedral. Today the cathedral stands in all its glory and is constantly celebrated as a memorial to the faith of the early pioneers that immigrated to the New Orleans area seeking religion.
Events at Historic Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New Orleans, LA
