A Brief History of Saint Steven's
Serbian Orthodox Cathedral |
Stain Glass Window
Saint Angelina of Serbia
Cathedral Church
Alhambra, California
During the Second World War a tremendous expansion of industry took place in California, bringing with it waves of people from the Midwest and East. This increase in population had its effects on the Serbian colonies, which overnight doubled and tripled in size. After much thought and deliberation, a new parish, Saint Steven's, was officially organized on May 14, 1946. In September of 1947, the new by-laws were approved by the Diocese, and the Diocesan Bishop appointed the Reverend Vladimir M. Mrvichin to pastor the new church community.
Saint Steven's Cathedral Choir was formed on February 15, 1948. Also in 1948, five acres of choice property on Garvey Avenue in the City of Alhambra were purchased. In March, various members of the church in the heavy construction business brought their equipment and manpower together and started grading, leveling and improving the church property. On July 25, 1948, the Saint Steven's Women's Auxiliary was established.
In January 1949, construction of the first building began—the Social Hall Complex, with provision for a chapel in the north wing. After months of diligent labor, in which many of the members actually took part, the first building was completed and dedicated with an impressive ceremony on October 9, 1949. On the same day the cornerstone for the new church was laid and the foundation for the church was consecrated. In September 1951, work resumed on the building of the church and it was completed a year later. On October 5, 1952, the new church was dedicated to the Glory of God. Because of its beauty, importance, and the religious impetus given other congregations in the West, the new church was proclaimed "The Cathedral of the Pacific." The Cathedral's architecture represents a blend of artistic motifs taken from many Serbian monasteries and churches built in the early Middle Ages. The Cathedral houses many items of religious antiquity and has become a landmark of importance in Southern California.
The construction of the Church-School and Youth Center Building began in 1962, and was dedicated on March 15, 1964. It includes a library that houses a growing collection of Serbian Orthodox literature and artifacts. The offices of the Bishop of the American Western Diocese are also located in this building.
On May 10, 1963 the Holy Assembly of Bishops, created the American Western Diocese and designated Saint Steven's Cathedral as the new Episcopal See. On August 3, 1963, His Grace, Bishop Gregory was consecrated at the Cathedral, as the first Serbian Orthodox Bishop of the new Diocese which is made up of the Western American states.
On October 6, 1968, Bishop Gregory presided at a ceremony of historic significance in which two particles of the relics of Saint Steven, the First-Crowned King of Serbia, were placed in the Cathedral's reliquary. Taken with tenderness, far from that time and land of Saint Steven's birth, these Holy Relics will forever grace the Cathedral that bears his honored name. On the Feast of St. Steven in 1995, the relics were transferred into a new reliquary for veneration by the faithful.
The 1970's were marked by tremendous growth. On May 1, 1970, the Parent –Teachers–Organization was expanded with the creation of the Religious Cultural Association. Additionally, on August 15, 1979, our Senior Citizen's club was organized. With the growth in membership, a related problem of expansion was solved by purchasing additional acreage to the east of the hall. On November 11, 1979, the pavilion complex with its adjoining park were built on this land
The 1980's were a time of transition. Father Dragoljub (Dennis) Pavichevich was appointed the Associate Pastor. With the retirement of our beloved Father Mrvichin in 1983, Father Dennis became the new Dean, and Father Mrvichin was given the title "Dean Emeritus." Under Father Dennis' leadership, the Cathedral expanded its educational programs and created the Office of Christian Education with a full-time director to assist in the spiritual growth of the membership.
On October 8, 1985, the Cathedral community was saddened by the sudden death of +Bishop Gregory, and again on June 27, 1987, with the death of our beloved +Proto Vlado Mrvichin.
The 1990's were a time of excitement, growth and change at Saint Steven's. Father Dennis Pavichevich was transferred to Chicago and the Cathedral was administered by Father Ilija Dajkovich from the end of 1992 until January 1994. On January 28, 1994, Father Nikola was appointed the new Dean of Saint Steven's Cathedral by His Eminence, Metropolitan Christopher, Administrator of the Diocese. In 1994, His Holiness, Patriarch Pavle made the second of three visits to the Cathedral during this decade; the occasion was for the installation of the new Diocesan Bishop, His Grace, Right Reverend Bishop Jovan on September 18. The Cathedral Complex underwent major restoration and renovation in preparation for the glorious 50th Anniversary of the parish held in 1996.
In October of 1999, in order to more actively enrich the spiritual lives of younger generations and to fully Integrate them into the life of the parish, the Cathedral established a young adult ministry. In 2001, His Grace, Bishop Jovan ordained and appointed Fr. Deacon Norman Kosanovich to the Cathedral. On Sunday, March 21, 2004 Deacon Norman was ordained to the Holy Priesthood.
Today, Father Nick, Father Norman and Saint Steven's membership continue in the path of its founders with a great desire for sacrifice of time, talent, financial resources, and selfless dedication, all for the Glory of God and His Holy Church.
