FAQ | Resurrection Cathedral

FAQ

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Why build a new Orthodox Cathedral in South Florida?

Orthodoxy is growing exponentially in South Florida! The parish of St. Luke the Blessed Surgeon Church in Pompano Beach, established in 2020, has grown from 12 parishioners to 100-120 attendees on regular Sunday services and upwards of 300 faithful on Major Feast days. Over 300 congregants attended the Paschal service in 2023 compared to 130 in 2022. Over 300 faithful attended the Nativity of Christ services in 2024.

There are large numbers of Russian immigrants who live in Florida, however, there is not presently a Cathedral and Cultural Center for Russian immigrants to call home in the Miami area. Florida has the second-largest Russian community in the US. Approximately 300,000 Russians who are fluent in Russian live in the Sunshine State. Many more reside in the state part-time or vacation here frequently.

The Russian community in southern Florida is in dire need of a magnificent Cathedral and spiritual and cultural oasis for Russian immigrants to call home. Without a Cathedral, these people are left not only spiritually homeless but also culturally homeless. The fiber by which the tapestry of the Slavic soul is woven is the Church.

In North America, particularly in South Florida, with growing Orthodox populations, we need a safe haven for generations of Orthodox Christians who wish to come and commune with that which is good, true, and beautiful in this world.

Additionally, a growing number of Americans are finding the Orthodox faith and converting to Orthodoxy, particularly in Florida. We are dedicated to providing bilingual services that bring people together from all backgrounds and cultures, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone can feel at home. Whether you are a Russian immigrant, a Russian-American, or an American who has fallen in love with the beauty of Orthodox worship, we invite you to join us and experience the joy of a relationship with God through the richness of worship and cultural exchange.

We anticipate doubling the size of the parish in the new Resurrection Cathedral in Deerfield Beach.

Why is it an Orthodox Center?

We are building a gathering place and sanctuary for Orthodox people from across Florida, the nation and the world. The Resurrection Cathedral will be the gem and center of our Orthodox life in Florida, however, a vibrant parish life with a range of programs and events designed to help adults and children grow in their faith and become active members of our community is essential. Saint Luke Church already has robust and ever-expanding adult & children’s programs, cultural events - Pelmeni Dinners, Maslenitsa-Blini, Picnics, Christmas Yolka celebrations, etc. and social activities plus weekly trapeza-luncheons. Weekday Liturgical services are increasing in number each month. The Resurrection Cathedral and Spiritual, Cultural and Musical Center will offer spiritual education and a wide array of cultural and community events. Additionally, the Saint Luke Church currently receives donations of ~ $100,000 annually from PaTRAM Institute for the continued development and expansion of a professional choir. The PaTRAM Resurrection Cathedral Choir plans to sing worship services, host educational programs, perform concerts and record at the new Cathedral. PaTRAM recorded 6 critically acclaimed albums and has two GRAMMY nominations.

Why will the Cathedral be dedicated to the Resurrection of Christ?

The Feast of the Resurrection of Christ- the Feast of Feasts- Pascha

This feast is celebrated by all Orthodox Christians on the same day, regardless of their ethnicity, calendar, or language. The feast of Pascha transcends manmade divisions and unites us as one with the Divine - Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Rus received Orthodoxy from Byzantium in the late 10th century after emissaries described services in the Hagia Sophia as, “not knowing whether we were in heaven or on earth”. This is the feeling that we want to unite the faithful under, regardless of their cultural background.

We have distinctly chosen to dedicate the main and central altar to the feast of the Resurrection of Christ because it is something that unites all believers and transcends borders. The unity of the Church is a core value. As the Apostle Paul wrote in his Epistle to the Galatians, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

Why will there be 2 side altars dedicated to Sts John and Luke?

Saint John of Shanghai & San Francisco

Saint John of San Francisco is a modern-day saint. He reposed in 1966 and many members of our wider church community, including our warden, whose father was ordained by him, have met him personally; recalling memories and anecdotes of a small-statured, simple old man who turned into a spiritual giant and bastion of Orthodoxy for communities in Shanghai, Tubabao, Paris, and San Francisco through his ascetic example. St. John began an orphanage that still exists in San Francisco. Most of these orphans have passed away from old age, however, those who are still alive can still recall their harrowing journey through persecution in China and the typhoons of the Philippines to their home in the New World led by their hero, Bishop John, who advocated for their asylum on the footsteps of Capitol Hill. St. John’s relics are available for anyone to view and venerate in the Cathedral that he built in San Francisco. He is just as approachable and present in the lives of Orthodox Christians today as he was during his lifetime, and now his legacy spreads throughout the whole world.

We have distinctly chosen to dedicate one of our altars to Saint John of Shanghai & San Francisco because we continue to see him as a shepherd of the flock and intercessor for our mission in America. His humility and meekness are qualities that we seek to emulate, and he is a modern example of someone after whom we can model our own lives.

Saint Luke the Blessed Surgeon of Crimea

Saint Luke of Crimea is also a modern-day saint who reposed in 1961. Not only was Saint Luke a bishop, but he was also the founder of purulent surgery and one of the most skilled doctors in the empire and during the Soviet regime. In an era where clergymen were killed and doctors were exiled, St. Luke was requested to perform life-saving surgeries, even becoming a laureate for the Stalin Prize for Medicine in 1946. His unceasing preaching of Christ and the Gospel under a militant atheist soviet regime is an example for anyone in the modern day trying to live a Christian life. His influence can be seen in his prolific writings in both medicine and spirituality which are still revered and cherished to this day.

We have distinctly chosen to dedicate one of our altars to Saint Luke of Crimea because he is the surgeon of souls. His tenacity and grit under extreme pressure and adversity are values we seek to emulate. He swam against the current during a time of anti-religious oppression. May his example inspire us to be willing to do the same.

Both St. John and St. Luke are venerated not only by Russians, but by Greeks, Americans, and many Eastern and Western Christians alike.

What are the phases of the project?

We have embarked on a $10 Million Champaign to build the next great Cathedral of the Russian Orthodox Church – the Resurrection Cathedral.

Building an Orthodox Cultural Center will require several phases:

1. Property acquisition and Church alterations (Phase 1)

2. Parish Hall build-out and expansion (Phase 1)

3. Clergy housing (Phase 1 and 2)

4. Altar and Belltower addition (Phase 2)

5. End stage church adornment (iconostasis and frescoes)

Step One was property acquisition, and we found the ideal property to build The Resurrection Orthodox Cathedral in South Florida. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we were able to successfully raise $1.5 Million in a few short months to allow us to purchase and close on this property.

What was once a dream is now becoming reality. We now know the location of our future Resurrection Cathedral.

Here are some of the highlights:

Location: 1416 SE 2nd Ter, Deerfield Beach, FL
9,000 sq. ft. under roof vs. our present 5,000 sq. ft.
1.32 acres of prime land
Existing Anglican church with ample room for modification and expansion
Parish Hall for 250 with stage for performances and concerts
Several offices/classrooms with plenty of storage
Commercial-quality kitchen installation planned
Beautiful surroundings
Adjacent homes for potential future expansion
Ample parking around Church and Hall
Highly convenient location near 10th Street and Federal (Hwy 1) and just minutes from 95 and A1A

This is a prime middle-class neighborhood with stability and growth. There is a community playground across the street and the site is conveniently located near US 1, I-95, and the beach, and is just south of Boca Raton.

The series of events that have brought us to this moment are simply miraculous. Before we even knew we would be under contract on a property, work was underway for the visit of Metropolitan Nicholas with the Miraculous Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God—the crown jewel of the Church Abroad that for centuries has led the faithful through hardships, healed the sick, and brought both unbelievers and the faithful closer to God.

At the time, we were still seeking a property for our future Cathedral but had not yet found a match. Then, in a dramatic turn, we located the ideal property in Deerfield Beach just weeks before the long-planned visit of Metropolitan Nicholas and the Wonderworking Kursk Root icon. The timing could not have been more providential and affirmed the divine hand that had clearly guided our journey.

During the visit of His Eminence and the Kursk Root icon, parishioners as well as visitors from neighboring parishes were blessed to accompany the Metropolitan to the new property. There, he prayed and blessed the property with the Miraculous Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos, marking the site as sacred for our long-awaited Resurrection Orthodox Cathedral. The day was filled with such immense joy—the feeling was that of Pascha, the glorious and joyful Resurrection of Our Lord. There was an overwhelming sense of God’s divine blessing and guidance upon this endeavor. Through the Kursk Root Icon we are under the Omophorion of the Theotokos Herself! Truly, this confluence of events could only have come about through heavenly providence.

As we move onto the next steps in this campaign, we continue to work toward our vision of a parish that will support two priests and two deacons, a dozen readers/altar servers, and a robust choir. We imagine a vibrant Orthodox community with more than a dozen major feast celebrations and weekend events, and 400-500 regular parishioners, in addition to the many others from across the nation and across the globe who enjoy and benefit from having an Orthodox home while spending time in the Miami area. Over time, the Cathedral will offer daily Divine Liturgy.

How do I participate?

We invite you to become an integral part of the Resurrection Orthodox Cathedral. There are many ways to participate!

Share Our Mission: Spread the word among your friends, family, and community. The more people involved, the quicker we can achieve our goal.

Volunteer: Offer your skills in construction, clean-up, painting, meals for workers, event planning and helping stuff envelopes. Your involvement is deeply appreciated and invaluable.

Join our Mailing List: Receive all the latest news and updates on our progress. We cannot wait to open our doors and welcome everyone to the Resurrection Cathedral!

Stay Connected: Visit St. Luke the Blessed Surgeon Russian Orthodox Church on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube for up to the minute information about the Cathedral project, events and updates. Don’t forget to like and follow us!

Pray: We ask for your prayers for the people who are toiling day and night to bring the vision of our Orthodox Home to reality. Kindly pray that this endeavor is God-pleasing.

Financial Contributions: Every donation, large or small, will significantly contribute to our goal. Your support will lay down roots for future generations to draw spiritual strength and community connection. No amount is too small, every contribution counts!

Golden Book for Eternal Commemoration of the Living and Reposed

This Golden Book will be a sacred record where the names of the living and departed will be inscribed for perpetual remembrance in prayers and services. This tradition ensures that our loved ones are continually remembered before God, fostering a deep sense of connection and intercession. The Golden Book represents our ongoing prayerful support for each other, uniting us as one family in Christ, both now and in the life to come. @$1,000 for each name.

Naming opportunities and Sponsorships:

By participating in our sponsorship and naming opportunities, your sponsorship of a specific project will directly impact our sacred space and ensure the completion of this transformative project. Additionally, significant contributions can be honored through naming opportunities, allowing you to dedicate a space in memory of a loved one and celebrate a saint of your choosing. These opportunities provide a meaningful way to leave a lasting legacy in support of our Cathedral.

Naming Opportunities

As a token of our gratitude for significant contributions, you can honor the memory of a loved one by celebrating a saint of your choosing.

$10,000 ea. - (2) classroom gifts - for classrooms to be named after the Apostles

$10,000 - Mom's quiet room

$15,000 - St. Tikhon Choir loft

$25,000 - Bar/wine/refreshments area in hall

$30,000 - Built-in adult baptismal pool

$35,000 - Stage for children's performances and music concerts

$50,000 ea. - (2) Saint Luke or Saint John chapel

$100,000 - Kitchen

$100,000 - Restrooms and ADA Restrooms

$500,000 ea. - (2) Homes for clergy or $150,000 down payment for each home

Sponsorships

$15,000 ea.- (4) Mosaic icon gifts - St John, St Luke and 2 saints of your choice, front facade Sponsored

$15,000 ea.- (2) Mosaic icon gifts - Myrrh-bearing women at Hall entrance

$15,000- Mosaic icon gifts for the pair of angels on the front facade Sponsored

$15,000 ea. - (11: 2 remaining) Mosaic icons in the arches & corresponding church bays on the exterior

$25,000 - Resurrection icon front facade Sponsored

$25,000- Cathedral and Hall audio video systems

$30,000- Mosaic icon gift - Crucifixion of Christ above the entrance to the Cathedral

$60,000- Hurricane-proof windows and doors in the hall

$75,000- Copper fascia treatments for the front facade

$75,000- Back altar wall for hurricane compliance

$80,000- New roof for the Hall

$90,000- Hurricane-proof doors and windows in the Cathedral

$100,000- Stone floors in the Cathedral

$140,000- New roof for the Cathedral

We are deeply grateful that 16 mosaic icons have already been sponsored. Only 5 remain.

If you are interested in exploring any of these or other sponsorship or naming opportunities, please do not hesitate to contact Tatiana Geringer directly at Tatiana@ResurrectionROCathedral.org.

She will be delighted to assist you with more details and help you find the perfect way to contribute to our community’s legacy at the Resurrection Orthodox Cathedral.

May God bless you!

Cathedral Beautification

As a token of our gratitude for significant contributions, you can honor the memory of a loved one by celebrating a saint of your choosing.

$10,000 ea. - (2) classroom gifts - for classrooms to be named after the Apostles

$10,000 - Mom's quiet room

$15,000 - St. Tikhon Choir loft

$25,000 - Bar/wine/refreshments area in hall

$30,000 - Built-in adult baptismal pool

$35,000 - Stage for children's performances and music concerts

$50,000 ea. - (2) Saint Luke or Saint John chapel

$100,000 - Kitchen

$100,000 - Restrooms and ADA Restrooms

$500,000 ea. - (2) Homes for clergy or $150,000 down payment for each home

How do I volunteer?

Get Involved: We welcome your time and talents in supporting our ongoing construction and fundraising efforts. As we proceed with renovations and fundraising efforts, your hands and heart can make a tangible difference. Whether you can offer skills in construction, event planning, supplying food for our workers, or clean-up, your involvement is invaluable. Contact Tatiana Geringer.

What is PaTRAM Institute?

The Resurrection Cathedral and Spiritual, Cultural and Musical Center will become the Headquarters and Home to the Patriarch Tikhon Russian-American Music Institute (PaTRAM Institute), the leading organization in fostering authentic and beautiful Russian Orthodox choral music together with its astounding spiritual depth, in both the English and Slavonic languages. Founded in 2013, PaTRAM Institute, named for the great missionary to North America and new martyr, St. Tikhon, Patriarch of Moscow, PaTRAM exists to positively improve the prayerful sound and quality of Orthodox church singing.

PaTRAM Institute performs world-class, professional recordings in unique venues featuring its award-winning international ensembles; distinctive concert performance events; and hosts educational programs. Their work has received numerous Grammy nominations.

PaTRAM is intrinsically connected to our local St. Luke parish and community and is currently building a superb choir for the Resurrection Cathedral of 12-16 voices for all of the major services together with the nucleus of a small choir for weekday services.

The Resurrection Cathedral
A ROCOR Parish
1416 SE 2nd Terrace; Deerfield Beach, FL 33441
Contact

A ROCOR Parish | PaTRAM Institute ™

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