Orthodox Cathedral, Birmingham

The Cathedral Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God and Saint Andrew is a prominent Greek Orthodox Cathedral located on Summer Hill Terrace in Birmingham. It is dedicated to the Dormition of the Theotokos and Saint Andrew, reflecting significant aspects of Greek Orthodox spirituality and devotion.

This cathedral was originally a Catholic Apostolic church designed by J.A. Chatwin in 1873, who is renowned for his work on many of Birmingham's churches, including Saint Philip's Cathedral. The building is a classic example of Gothic Revival architecture in the Early English style, featuring a brick construction with a wide rectangular nave, dual apses, and passage aisles integrated through the buttresses. Its interior showcases robust brick arches supported by stout columns, clerestory windows nestled between clustered wall shafts, and a high, arched roof. The west end of the cathedral boasts a tall archway embedded in a diapered brick wall, leading into a baptistery, with some decorative contributions from Gibbs and Canning of Tamworth.

Significant renovations have been undertaken since around 2000 to maintain and enhance the cathedral's structure and aesthetic appeal. The cathedral's spiritual life is shepherded by Protopresbyter Kosmas Pavlidis.

The foundation of this cathedral was laid in the context of a broader movement of Greek Orthodox community establishment throughout major UK cities during the early to mid-20th century. Specifically, in Birmingham, the first Greek Orthodox church was inaugurated in 1958, post-World War II, as part of an effort to cater to the religious needs of a growing Greek Cypriot population seeking better opportunities in Britain.

Beyond its religious functions, the cathedral actively fosters cultural and educational pursuits through the Apostolos Andreas Greek School. This institution offers language and cultural education to both children and adults, underscoring the cathedral's role as a community center promoting Greek heritage and learning in Birmingham.