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I have come from an Old World to this New World. Which is better:the Old or the New? I could not know. But, the Revealer of all truths has said to me and to you that a wise householder brings forth equally out of his treasury. Not only the New, and not only the Old, but both. The highest wisdom consists in keeping both Old and New treasure. The separation of the two brings poverty, insta- bility, and confusion. Bishop Nikolai Velimirovich New and Old Treasures Based on Matthew 13:52 Cathedral of St. John the Divine April 4, 1948

A SPECIAL APPEAL FOR A UNIQUE CHURCH

The Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of St. Sava, formerly Trinity (Episcopal) Chapel, is one of New York City's 19th Century architectural splendors. This national and city landmark building, located in mid-Manhattan, is a living vesssel, historically encompassing the distinctive religious traditions of two communities of people who worshipped beneath its vaulted arches over the course of 150 years.

     Since 1944, the soaring elegance of this Gothic Revival Church has been the setting for the mystical "candlelight kingdom" of Eastern Orthodox spirituality and its lavish Byzantine rites, creating a unique blending of Eastern and Western traditions.

    This holy sanctuary, once serving the Episcopalian community, has for more than half a century provided spiritual comfort and hope to its Serbian Orthodox congregation and the many waves of immigrants for whom this was the gateway church into America and the New World.

    But, belying its proud facade, the ravages of time have taken their toll on this architectural treasure. Unless immediate action is taken this splendid building is sadly at risk of being lost to us all. We are, therefore, with the blessings of the Most Rev. Metropolitan Christopher, His Grace Bishop Dr. Mitrofan and His Grace Bishop Jovan, soliciting support from both within and beyond our community to preserve this important legacy of 19th Century architecture and spiritual home to a sizable population of Serbian Americans in the Metropolitan area.

    We are asking for financial support from all those who are dedicated to the conservation of history and the future of our Cathedral. Please help us restore to its former glory this historical landmark building, visited by people from around the globe. Let us emulate the "wise householder," by preserving our Treasure-old and new-for all the generations to come.

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