Catedral Metropolitana Ortodoxa, Orthodox cathedral in Paraíso district, São Paulo, Brazil

The Catedral Metropolitana Ortodoxa occupies a corner of Rua Vergueiro in Paraíso, near the Paraíso metro station. Its plan follows Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, with a central golden dome painted in fresco by Joseph Trabulsi and side mezzanines. A marble iconostasis carved by Russian iconographer Wladimir Krivoutz holds 65 icons. The original full reproduction of Hagia Sophia was altered because of subway works.

Construction began in 1942 under the direction of Paul Taufick Camasmie, with the design drawing inspiration from the Hagia Sophia. The building was completed in 1954 and became a landmark during São Paulo's 400th-anniversary celebrations.

The cathedral was built for Syrian and Lebanese Orthodox immigrants, and its name honours Paul the Apostle, patron of São Paulo. The community founded the Fraternidade de São Paulo, led by Assad Abdalla, to fund the church; the original plan also included a school teaching Arabic. The cathedral still runs an educational institution and shelters in the city.

The cathedral is located in Vila Mariana and sits along Rua Vergueiro, making it accessible by foot as you explore the neighborhood. The space welcomes visitors and offers plenty of room to examine the architecture and religious objects at your own pace.

Joseph Trabulsi, chosen by Egypt's King Farouk, painted the central golden dome in fresco, along with the panels dividing the interior and the stained-glass windows. The Russian iconographer Wladimir Krivoutz (1904–1972) carved the marble iconostasis and its 65 icons.