Standing in the heart of Los Angeles, St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral is not only a magnificent house of worship but also a powerful symbol of Arab Christian heritage in the United States bridging ancient Eastern spirituality with modern American life.
Founding and Early Beginnings
The cathedral traces its roots back to 1924 with the establishment of St. George Church, the first Antiochian parish in Southern California, founded to serve immigrants from Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine. As the community grew, a new vision emerged—to build a grand cathedral dedicated to St. Nicholas. The cornerstone was laid in 1948, and by 1950, the cathedral was completed, marking a new era for Orthodox Christians in America.
Architectural Legacy
Designed by the legendary architect Paul R. Williams, the cathedral combines Middle Eastern Byzantine architecture with American craftsmanship. Its soaring dome symbolizes the heavens, while the handcrafted mosaic iconostasis imported from Florence, Italy reflects the rich artistic traditions of the ancient Antiochian Church.
Cathedral of the Western Archdiocese
On May 5, 1964, Metropolitan Anthony Bashir officially declared St. Nicholas as the Cathedral of the Western Archdiocese, establishing it as the episcopal seat for all Antiochian Orthodox churches in the Western United States and Canada. Among its influential leaders was Metropolitan Philip Saliba, who played a pivotal role in expanding the presence of the Orthodox Church in North America.
Today, the cathedral is led by Metropolitan Joseph (Zehlaoui), who continues to nurture the spiritual life of the faithful while promoting unity, education, and charitable outreach across the region.
Spiritual and Community Mission
Beyond its sacred liturgical role, St. Nicholas Cathedral serves as a vibrant cultural and social hub offering:
•Arabic language and Orthodox heritage education
•Youth and family ministries
•Charitable programs supporting those in need
•Cultural events preserving Arab Christian identity
Through these initiatives, the cathedral remains a living testament to faith, identity, and cultural continuity for thousands across generations.
Who is St. Nicholas?
St. Nicholas, known in Christian tradition as the “Wonderworker,” was the Bishop of Myra in Asia Minor during the 4th century. He is one of the most beloved saints of the universal Church, East and West. Renowned for his generosity, compassion for the poor, and defense of the oppressed, he was also a participant in the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea, where he upheld Orthodox Christian doctrine.
His legacy of charity and miraculous acts inspired the modern figure of Santa Claus, making him a timeless symbol of love, giving, and Christian virtue.
🎉 Annual Cathedral Festival A Celebration of Faith, Heritage, and Community
Each year, St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral in Los Angeles hosts one of the most vibrant and anticipated cultural festivals in Southern California. This annual event has become a signature celebration for the Arab-American community and a welcoming gateway for the wider public to experience the richness of Middle Eastern Christian heritage.
A Bridge Between Cultures
The festival is more than a social event it is a cultural and spiritual bridge that brings together people of all backgrounds. It showcases the cathedral’s mission of preserving Antiochian heritage while promoting unity, hospitality, and intercultural understanding.
Highlights of the Festival
•Authentic Middle Eastern Cuisine: Visitors enjoy traditional dishes such as shawarma, kibbeh, falafel, grape leaves, and homemade Arabic sweets, prepared by parish families.
•Live Music and Dabke Performances: Folkloric dance groups and traditional musicians bring the sounds of Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine to life on stage.
•Guided Church Tours: Guests are offered guided tours inside the cathedral to learn about Byzantine architecture, iconography, and Orthodox Christian spirituality.
•Cultural Exhibits & Artisan Booths: Displays feature Middle Eastern crafts, religious artwork, and educational exhibits about the history of the Antiochian Orthodox Church.
•Family-Friendly Activities: The festival includes special areas for children and youth, designed to strengthen their cultural identity through games, storytelling, and interactive learning.
A Mission Beyond Celebration
Proceeds from the festival support the cathedral’s charitable, educational, and community outreach programs. In this way, the festival serves not only as a joyful gathering but also as a meaningful expression of service, faith, and cultural continuity.
A Living Expression of Arab Christian Presence
The annual festival stands as a testament to the enduring presence of the Antiochian Orthodox community in Los Angeles a celebration of faith, tradition, and unity that welcomes everyone, regardless of background, to experience the beauty of Middle Eastern Christian culture.
Current Spiritual Leadership of the Cathedral
The cathedral falls under the spiritual authority of His Beatitude John X, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East.
It is overseen in North America by His Eminence Metropolitan JOSEPH (Zehlaoui),
Metropolitan of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America and the chief spiritual overseer of the Cathedral.
Official clergy names as listed on the Cathedral’s website:
•Very Rev. Father Michel Najim
•Rev. Father Nabil Hanna
•Rev. Father Andrew Andraos
•Rev. Father Paul Aruso (official spelling as listed on the website)
•Archdeacon Antony Njeim
Festival Committee Members (as listed on the Cathedral’s official website):
•Ehab Dahabreh Issa
•Pierre Bitar
•Lamia Qafaiti
•Ziad Saleh
•Mikhail (Mike) Zeeb
We extend our deepest gratitude and heartfelt appreciation to all the dedicated servants, program presenters, and vocalists whose generous contributions and loving spirit greatly enriched the festival. Each of them played a vital role in presenting the Cathedral in a most honorable light, reflecting its spiritual mission through exceptional coordination, outstanding performance, and voices that touched hearts and lifted praises to heaven.
Their sincere efforts and inspiring dedication were key to the festival’s success and helped deliver the event in its most beautiful form. We thank them for the love with which they labored, and for the joy and faith they instilled in the hearts of all attendees making this festival a shining testament to the unity of service and the beauty of collective work.
Special Acknowledgment
We also extend our utmost respect and appreciation to the distinguished media professional Ms. Salwa Hariri, who excelled in presenting the festival segments over two consecutive days with a high-caliber media style that combined professionalism and appeal. With her captivating presence and warm demeanor, she created an atmosphere of connection, joy, and positive engagement. Her outstanding performance highlighted the beauty of this occasion and reinforced its spiritual and social message in the hearts of the audience.
By representing the Cathedral as a radiant media figure, she reflected the authenticity of the Church and the nobility of its mission before the community. We sincerely thank Ms. Salwa Hariri for her exceptional contribution and dedication to media service, wishing her continued success and brilliance in her blessed journey of serving the community and its noble humanitarian message.
More than seventy-five years after its completion after its completion, St. Nicholas Cathedral continues to shine as a house of worship, a heritage landmark, and a bridge between East and West uniting the spiritual legacy of Antioch with the diverse fabric of American society.
📍 Address: 2300 West 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90057
Prepared and Presented by Wael Loutfalla, Editor-in-Chief of Charisma Newspaper With My Regards and Appreciation.
