History

The history of Holy Trinity and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Birmingham, Alabama began in the late 19th century. The first Greek male immigrant arrived via Mobile, Alabama to Birmingham in 1884, and a constant stream of immigrants followed, all seeking economic, social, and religious freedom. Their occupations ranged from fruit vendors and steel workers to coal miners and day laborers. As Birmingham thrived, many of these industrious newcomers gravitated toward the restaurant and food industry, building lives and starting families in their adopted city.

By 1906, a group of approximately one hundred Greek citizens of Birmingham came together to purchase a small wooden building on the southeast corner of 19th Street and 3rd Avenue South from Simpson Methodist Episcopal Church, establishing what became the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. The congregation obtained a state charter and began operating a Greek School, and held its first liturgy in 1907. This made Holy Trinity one of the earliest Orthodox parishes in the country, distinguished today as the third oldest Greek Orthodox parish in the United States.

As Birmingham's Greek community expanded and outgrew its original home, the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church was established in 1933. In 1953, the two congregations merged to become Holy Trinity and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Construction of the current worship building began in 1949, designed by Birmingham architect George P. Turner, and the new altar was consecrated in 1956. In 1977, the Archdiocese elevated Holy Trinity and Holy Cross to the status of Cathedral.

One of the most beloved expressions of the Cathedral's community spirit is its annual Greek Festival, held every year since 1972. Through the event, the church gathers proceeds that support both the work of the Cathedral and donations to community and national charities, having raised over three million dollars for various causes over the years.

Today, the little church that began as the third oldest Greek Orthodox parish in the United States has grown into one of the most vibrant Greek Orthodox Cathedrals in the country. Founded as one of the first Orthodox churches in North America, Holy Trinity and Holy Cross continues to be a witness to Orthodox Christianity, welcoming a warm and diverse community of faithful who live and worship together as a family in the heart of Birmingham.