Holy Virgin Protection Russian Orthodox Cathedral

This is a beautiful Orthodox Christian Cathedral, led by Father Christopher, with a welcoming and dedicated parish and amazing church choir creating divine harmonies through their singing.

There for an Annual Event, Spiritual Sounds, a gathering of East Village religious institutions started 14 years ago by Andrew Donovan. An upstairs performance space, while downstairs is the Orthodox Cathedral, a magnificent home to the Orthodox Church of America. Icons, a reredos painted with the images of the patron Saints, a vaulted wood ceiling, the remnant of it's original use as a German Protestant church. So much history and beauty.

A place to call your spiritual home, surrounded by others representing a cross section of New York. I have felt blessed and in the presence of God here.

Gorgeous iconography, choir sings ethereal music echoing sweetly from the lofty ceiling. If you have never been to an orthodox church, step inside. It's an experience you'll never forget.

I was interested in learning about the Orthodox faith. Called ahead about visiting the book store to purchase some books and a prayer rope and was told I could come prior to the vigil on Saturday night. Ok, so I made the trip by car. I spoke to a parishioner who asked a clergyman about opening the religious article room. I was told that I could not at this time, in a manner that was not particularly welcoming. I understand humans are humans. I will not generalise onto the Church from one brief experience. However, left a cold feeling in me.

Thanks BT for your courage and your review! I was debating if I should say something or not. Its hard to honestly post a review if you are an orthodox christian and the orthodox church is not at all traditional. I was there yesterday, Sunday June 2, 2019 at the beginning of the service and I couldn't believe this woman takes out her smart phone and starts concentrating on and filming the congregation. AND NO USHERS SAID ANYTHING! Except when I saw her she was in the very front of the church but on the other side. It made me so uncomfortable and it was clear no one was going to say anything to her that I left.

Hhhhmmmm lets see. So awfully terrible I don’t know where to start. First thing, if you are an artist or at all in the public eye with your career and sincerely go to church to pray and leave earthly cares at the door, DO NOT GO HERE. I will try to post a short video or picture of what you will encounter here. On top of that, the curtain to the alter is always closed so only God knows what those priests are actually doing. It’s just wrong. I do not even want to know what other kind of weirdness goes on.

God’s House is extraordinary wherever you go and whatever your religion is. The Greek Orthodox Faith has the one and only true God, Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the leader of our church’s faith and doctrines.