St. Elijah Cathedral

St. Elijah Cathedral is a Byzantine church in Haifa with classical Eastern architectural elements, a crowned facade, and a bell tower. The building combines traditional Eastern design features with solid construction and sits prominently on its site in the city.

The cathedral was built in 1939 by architect Sammihom Atallah to serve the Melkite Greek Catholic community in northern Israel. Its construction marked a new gathering place for this religious group during that period.

The cathedral preserves Eastern Christian traditions through its Byzantine rituals, religious art, and icons that reflect Melkite heritage. Visitors encounter these living traditions during services and when walking through the decorated interior.

The cathedral welcomes visitors interested in attending services or viewing the architecture. It is helpful to check opening hours in advance and wear respectful clothing to honor the religious nature of the space.

The main entrance features an artistic portrayal of Prophet Elijah, connecting the cathedral to the biblical figure associated with Mount Carmel. This detail explains the choice of name and adds depth to the building's religious meaning.