St. Sava Church, Paris, Serbian Orthodox cathedral in 18th arrondissement, France
St. Sava Church is an Eastern Orthodox house of worship in the 18th arrondissement built from red brick with Romanesque Revival details, rounded arches, and a central dome. The building at rue du Simplon contains a nave decorated with an iconostasis and biblical passages on the walls.
The building began in 1906 as a Protestant temple serving that community for many years. In 1984 the Serbian Orthodox Church acquired the structure to establish a new religious home for their expanding population in France.
The church serves as a gathering place for Serbian Orthodox believers and visitors who come to experience Eastern Orthodox worship practices and rituals. Inside, icons and religious decorations reflect how the community maintains its identity far from home.
Visitors can attend religious services held regularly throughout the week to learn about Serbian Orthodox practices and customs. It is helpful to check visiting times in advance, as these may vary depending on religious celebrations and observances.
The interior unusually blends elements from two different faiths, with biblical verses painted on walls alongside an Orthodox iconostasis creating a singular space. This rare combination shows how one building has held meaning for two separate religious traditions.
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