Russian Orthodox Cathedral of the Transfiguration of Our Lord, Byzantine Revival Orthodox cathedral in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, United States.
The Russian Orthodox Cathedral of the Transfiguration of Our Lord is an Eastern Orthodox cathedral in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, built from yellow brick with stone detailing in the Russian-Byzantine style. The floor plan follows a Greek cross shape, and five copper onion domes sit atop octagonal bell towers, giving the building its recognizable roofline.
Construction began in 1916, designed by architect Louis Allmendinger, but delays caused by World War I pushed the completion and consecration back to 1922. Before this building was finished, the local Orthodox community had gone without a permanent home for many years, making the opening a turning point in its history.
Services here are still held in Church Slavonic, the ancient liturgical language used in Russian Orthodox worship, which gives the experience a very distinct sound and feeling. Visitors who step inside during a service will find a space filled with the scent of incense, golden iconostases, and choral singing without any instrumental accompaniment.
The cathedral is on North 12th Street in Williamsburg and is within walking distance of the Bedford Avenue subway station. Because access inside can vary depending on services and community events, it is worth checking ahead before planning a visit.
The interior holds three separate altars: the central one dedicated to the Transfiguration, a northern one to Saint Vladimir, and a southern one to the Protection of the Holy Virgin Mary. This layout makes it possible to hold more than one service at the same time, which is unusual for a building of this size.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
