Despite efforts to save the Holy Resurrection Orthodox Cathedral of the Orthodox Church in America in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, through a campaign in early June 2025, the historic landmark in Wilkes-Barre was demolished last week.
The Resurrection Orthodox Cathedral served the community for more than 100 years, but the parish decided in 2024 to close it, citing a decline in parishioners and high repair costs, approving it for sale and rectory for $300,000.
The closure decision was officially published in a statement from the Orthodox Church of America Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania on September 20, 2024, following a letter from the parishioners with a unanimous 25-vote in favor.
Offer by an Orthodox Christian to buy and save the Cathedral ‘disregarded’
Greek-American businessman Demetri Patitsas submitted a $200,000 purchase offer with the intention of housing the St. Paul’s Fellowship of Labor organization there, but received no response. Shortly afterward, he learned that a demolition permit had been issued.
“I reached out to the priests and offered to buy the church for $200,000, to keep it active as a spiritual center and headquarters for our organization. Yet, despite repeated efforts, we never received an official response,” he told the National Herald.
Instead, as he noted, the OCA Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania quietly proceeded with the demolition, despite interventions from Mayor George Brown, city councilor Tony Brooks, and state officials who requested that the permit be halted.
“I watched with my own eyes as the church was leveled. It was a shocking moment. People who had married, been baptized, and prayed there for generations saw their place disappear,” he recounted emotionally.
“What happened in Wilkes-Barre should wake us all up. Our faith and history are not just stones and domes; they are the soul of Orthodoxy in America,” he noted.
