If you want to visit an orthodox church in Paris, France, there are many different types to choose from. Some of the most popular include Saint Stephen’s Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Russian Orthodox Spiritual and Cultural Center, Sainte-Trinite, and St. Serge de Radonege. Others are more specialized. Here are some tips for choosing a church in Paris based on your own religion. All of these churches are worth checking out.
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St. Stephen’s Greek Orthodox Cathedral
St. Stephen’s Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Paris is the seat of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of France. Located in the 16th arrondissement, this cathedral was consecrated on 22 December 1895. It is a popular tourist attraction in Paris. While there, be sure to visit the cathedral and its adjacent chapels. After visiting the Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Paris, be sure to visit one of its sister churches in the city.
To visit St. Stephen’s Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Paris, first visit the Eiffel Tower. The wrought-iron lattice tower is located on the Champ de Mars, which is 1 km away from the cathedral. Continue on to the Avenue des Champs-Elysees, which runs for 1.9 km and is located approximately 680 metres northeast of St. Stephen’s. You can also visit the Arc de Triomphe de l’Etoile, which is located just one km north of St. Stephen’s Greek Orthodox Cathedral.
Saint Serge de Radonege Church
The Russian Church Saint-Serge de Radonege is a unique attraction in Paris. Located near the Park des Buttes-Chaumont, this church is a perfect spot to witness an Orthodox service and experience the rich religious heritage of the Russian people. Entry is free, but you need to make an appointment with the church in advance. The church is accessible by metro from Laumiere station.
The church began as a Lutheran chapel in the late nineteenth century and was later sold to Russian immigrants during the Second World War. Euloge Gueorguievsky, the first Orthodox bishop in France and spiritual leader of the Russian Orthodox community in Paris, had the idea of building a second orthodox church in Paris after the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral was too small. The parish is dedicated to St-Sergius of Radonezh, a Russian Saint of the middle ages.
Sainte-Trinite
The Sainte-Trinite orthodox church in the Quai Branly area of Paris is home to 4 buildings, including the Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Russian Orthodox Spiritual and Cultural Center. Both are part of a larger educational complex. Despite its small size, the complex offers a wealth of historical, cultural, and educational treasures. Visited on a sunny day, the Sainte-Trinite Cathedral is a must-see while in Paris.
The interior of the Sainte-Trinite is also stunning. The Cathedrale de la Sainte-Trinite features many Orthodox icons adorned in large gold frames. You will also find numerous iconsostasis, adorned with images of saints and motifs. The interior of the church is surprisingly light, especially when compared to the dark Gothic churches in the city. The interior of the church is equally as beautiful, with beautiful paintings by French and Russian painters.
Russian Orthodox Spiritual and Cultural Center
The Russian Orthodox Spiritual and Cultural Center is a new landmark in Paris. Located on the Champ de Mars, this landmark is 620 metres south of Holy Trinity Cathedral, and 260 metres from the Russian Orthodox Spiritual and Cultural Center. Located nearby is the Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac, designed by French architect Jean Nouvel. This museum showcases the indigenous art and cultures of Africa and Asia.
The new complex includes four buildings on the site of a former Meteo France headquarters, adjacent to the Seine river, and is located near popular Paris landmarks. The Russian Orthodox Spiritual and Cultural Center’s construction site is located just a short distance from the Eiffel Tower and the Museum of Modern Art, and the center is near several other tourist attractions. Those who visit the Russian Orthodox Spiritual and Cultural Center are sure to be impressed.
