Saint Sophia Cathedral (Washington, D.C.)

Saint Sophia Cathedral is a Greek Orthodox cathedral located in Washington, D.C., in the United States. It serves as the cathedral of the Direct Archdiocesan District of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, under the spiritual guidance of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.

The cathedral's construction was completed in 1955, and it was formally dedicated on May 15, 1955, by Archbishop Michael of North and South America. The design of the cathedral draws heavily on Byzantine architectural principles, particularly influenced by the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople (Istanbul). Key features include a large central dome, extensive use of mosaics, and marble imported from Greece. The interior is adorned with icons and frescoes depicting scenes from the Bible and the lives of saints.

Saint Sophia Cathedral is a significant religious and cultural center for the Greek Orthodox community in the Washington metropolitan area. It offers regular liturgical services in both Greek and English, and hosts a variety of educational and cultural programs throughout the year. These include Greek language classes, religious education programs, and cultural events that celebrate Greek heritage.

The cathedral also plays an important role in interfaith dialogue and community outreach. It participates in various ecumenical initiatives and supports charitable causes both locally and internationally. Its central location in Washington, D.C., makes it a prominent landmark and a place of worship for both local residents and visitors.