Cathedral of St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church
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Cathedral of St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church was the first Byzantine Church in California. It is located on Sepulveda Boulevard in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, California. It remains the only Byzantine Ruthenian Church in the archdiocese.
The Byzantine Rite originated at Constantinople during the fourth and fifth centuries. A schism occurred in 1054 separated East and West, but the Byzantine Rite was reunified with Rome in 1646. By the 19th century immigrants brought the Byzantine Rite to America and many parishes were established in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio and the Northeast.
In 1956, the bishop of the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh granted permission for a priest to minister in Los Angeles. In 1957, the parish purchased land on Sepulveda Boulevard, and the new church was dedicated in 1961.
In 1976, the third pastor, Father Eugene Linowski, re-ordered the liturgical services to conform with the authentic traditions of the Byzantine Church. An icon screen was installed two years later. The screen maintains a traditional aura of mystery that separates the sanctuary from the rest of the church. At St. Mary's the screen is a wrought iron grill with icons painted by local artist Mila Mina.
The Eparchy of Van Nuys was established in 1982 with Most Reverend Thomas Dolinay as the first bishop. Father Michael Moran was named the first rector of the cathedral, served as chancellor, and was later named monsignor. Msgr. Moran was the head of the parish for 22 years. In 2004 Father Melvin Rybarczyk was named rector.
[edit] See also
- Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Van Nuys
- Byzantine Rite
- Ruthenian Catholic Church
- Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh
- San Fernando Pastoral Region
