www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Prayer Holy Family Cathedral [UGCC] in London

It's not quite clear to me why a general discussion of the terrible disaster at the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Cathedral in London belongs under "Prayers", unless, perhaps, one might be able to pray better with more information. So here goes:

The Cathedral is an historic building in London. Often referred to as "the King's Weigh House", it stands where some such public office was in the time of Charles II (who became a Catholic on his deathbed). Later the building was a Protestant church for dissenters (meaning Protestants who did not belong to the Church of England). The last pastor of that congregation, Dr. Orchard, guided is flock in a more and more Catholic direction; he himself became a Catholic and a priest, followed by many of the congregation. The Weigh House was not in regular use for a few decades, but was still owned and maintained by the remaining trustees of the Protestant-dissenting congregation.
When in 1961 the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Exarchate acquired its own Bishop, in the person of Msgr. Augstine Hornyak, the question of a Cathedral arose. It proved possible to purchase the Weigh House, and it was consecrated as the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Cathedral early in the nineteen-sixties. One of the last surviving Protestant clergy who had served there in the time of Dr. Orchard attended the consecration and offered his prayers and good wishes.

In 1988, as part of the celebrations of the Millennium of the Baptism of Kyivan Rus', the Cathedral was supplied with a splendid icon-screen, carefully designed to blend in with the existing beautiful wood-work. Thanks to God, the icon-screen does not appear to have been damaged in this week's disaster.

Fr. Serge

Having been to (Mass at) Farm Street Church, I can assure you that it is a good place to be while their temple is repaired.

My prayers

CIX

As a former parishioner and altar server, I am saddened to hear of this. Without being too insensitive, I am at least happy that the iconostasis wasn't damaged. I have always been devoted to this particular icon screen, even though it's not as ornate as would normally merit particular attention. Since, I would imagine, the exarchate is poor as it is, I can only ponder how much a new roof will make things worse.

In Christ, J.

I've not lived in the USA for quite a while, and the tax laws may have changed. With that caveat, I might suggest that a fund be created in the US, able to receive tax-free donations, to support the needed repairs to the Cathedral in London.

The Exarchate is certainly not rolling in money; just cleaning up the mess is going to be expensive - and must be done urgently, before the rains add to the problem.

Fr. Serge

Please folk - this is a prayer thread

I started this to ask you to keep the Priests and the people in your prayers at this time.

What has happened is indeed a disaster BUT discussions re financing the repairs have no place in this particular thread - could someone do a bit of pruning perhaps ?

There was already at least one thread about this matter on another branch of the Forum, and it was, er, "immoderately" merged with the Prayers department. As I wrote yesterday:


You might wish to take this up with whoever it was that squished two or three threads into one.

Fr. Serge

Lord of the Powers be with us, for in times of distress we have no other help but You.
Lord of the Powers, have mercy on us.

Save your people O Lord, and bless your inheritance. Grant victory to your Church over her enemies. Protect your people, by your Cross!

With prayers for all the clergy, and parishioners of Holy Family Cathedral!