Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is a Byzantine Revival church in Philadelphia featuring a central dome covered with Venetian glass tiles fused with 22 karat gold. Thirty-two windows throughout the building provide natural light and define its interior spaces.

The cornerstone was placed in 1966 and contains material from Saint Peter's tomb, a gift from Pope Paul VI. This symbolic element connected the new cathedral to Rome's most sacred site from its very beginning.

The interior displays mosaics of Christ as judge and coats of arms from different Ukrainian regions, reflecting the community's heritage. These artworks connect the cathedral to Ukraine through religious and regional symbols visible throughout the building.

The cathedral houses a crypt containing remains of notable bishops from the Ukrainian Catholic community, including Archbishop Soter Ortynsky. Visitors can explore this underground space to learn about the leadership of the local church.

Pope John Paul II visited the cathedral on October 4, 1979, during his historic journey to Philadelphia. This papal visit became a memorable moment for the local Ukrainian Catholic community and marked the church's prominence in the city.

Location: Philadelphia

Inception: 1966

Architectural style: Byzantine Revival architecture

Website: http://ukrcathedral.com

GPS coordinates: 39.96637,-75.15025

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:57