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New Orleans, Orleans Parish / Religious sites

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church

Established in 1864, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral is the first Greek Orthodox church in North and South America and the oldest existing Orthodox community in the Americas.

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Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
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What is the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church known for?

It is the first Greek Orthodox Church in North and South America and the oldest existing Orthodox community in the Americas.

Where is the church located?

The cathedral is located at 1200 Allen Toussaint Boulevard, a location it moved to in 1976.

Does the church host any special events?

Yes, the cathedral hosts the New Orleans Greek Festival; the 51st anniversary of the festival is scheduled for May 22–24, 2026.

What is the history of the church building?

The first church building was constructed in 1866 at 1222 N. Dorgenois Street in Treme. This original structure was replaced by a brick cathedral in 1950 before the community moved to its current location in 1976.

Has the church been affected by natural disasters?

Hurricane Katrina severely flooded the cathedral and the Hellenic Center Fellowship Hall in 2005, resulting in the loss or damage of many relics, Bibles, and icons.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral stands as a cornerstone of faith and history, having been established in 1864. It holds the distinction of being the first Greek Orthodox Church in North and South America. The community's first physical structure was built in 1866 at 1222 N. Dorgenois Street in the Treme neighborhood, accompanied by a small cottage for the priest. In December 1867, the parish welcomed its first priest, Archimandrite Stefanos Andreadis, who arrived from Syros, Greece. Over the decades, the cathedral evolved to meet the needs of its growing congregation. The original structure was replaced by a brick cathedral in 1950, and the entire community eventually moved to its current location at 1200 Allen Toussaint Boulevard in 1976. By 2014, the cathedral celebrated its 150th anniversary, continuing its legacy as the oldest existing Orthodox community in the Americas. The cathedral has also served as a guardian of precious religious artifacts since 1865. Among its most notable treasures is the Blessed Mother of God Icon, which was gifted to the church by the Russian imperial family in 1872. This collection faced a grave threat during 2005 when Hurricane Katrina severely flooded the cathedral and the Hellenic Center Fellowship Hall, damaging many Bibles, relics, and icons. Today, the cathedral remains a vibrant cultural hub. It is known for its commitment to Orthodox Byzantine music, led by Protopsaltis John Michael Boyer, a renowned educator and composer. The community also hosts the annual New Orleans Greek Festival, which celebrates its 51st anniversary during the Memorial Day weekend of 2026.

Visitor tips

  • Plan a visit during Memorial Day weekend to experience the New Orleans Greek Festival.
  • Check for public exhibition dates of the cathedral's historic artifact collection.
  • Dress modestly when entering the cathedral to respect the religious setting.

Nearby context

Located at 1200 Allen Toussaint Boulevard, the cathedral serves as a spiritual anchor for the Greek community in New Orleans, far from its original 19th-century roots in the Treme neighborhood.

Sources

Evidence and links