The Saint-Sauveur cathedral can hold 825 people. (Photo: Martin Alarie)
Inaugurating the St. Sauveur Cathedral
When religion means inclusion
At a time when religious accommodations are being debated ferociously, a group of Greek Melkite Catholics are rejoicing over the construction of a new cathedral in the heart of Bordeaux-Cartierville. A remarkable feat, given the rate at which discarded church properties are being converted in condominiums, and one accomplished in a spirit of collaboration and inclusion that is nothing less than inspirational.
The St. Sauveur Cathedral, which sits on the corner of L’Acadie Boulevard and du Liban Street was inaugurated with much pomp and circumstance last Sunday in the presence of religious and political leaders.
"(There were) 70 representatives from diverse religious sects, Catholic and Orthodox alike, that have come," said Samir Cassab, vice-president of the St. Sauveur parish's council.
Grégoire III Laham, patriarch of Antioch, Alexandria and Jerusalem, made the trip from Syria for the inauguration. Quebec Premier Jean Charest and federal Liberal leader -- and St. Laurent/Cartierville MP -- Stephane Dion were also on hand.
An always-lively history
Contrary to what the name might suggest, Melkites aren’t necessarily Greek; rather, the religion is practiced across the Middle East and the diaspora extends to all the world’s continents.
In Montreal, the first Melkite parish was born in 1891. The St. Sauveur Church, located at the corner of St. Denis and Viger streets, was the longtime heart of the Montreal Melkite community. But as the community spread further and further away from downtown and towards St. Laurent and Bordeaux-Cartierville, the high cost of multiple renovations forced the parish council to sell the church and rent Notre-Dame-des-Anges church for a while.
Monseigneur Coriaty, who was our priest for 35 years, always wanted to build a church and community centre in this area. He bought the land, and started by building a community centre, and then, little by little, we were able to construct the cathedral, which is attached to the community centre by a common entrance," Cassab added.
Because of the community's attachment to the St. Denis Street building, they took care to import some memories from the old place to the new home.
"Most of the community was baptized or married there, and lived a lot of important moments in the old church. So, we kept the sacramental tables, and the stained-glass windows were placed in the cathedral so the past can integrate into the future," Cassab continued.
A diverse architecture
Adhering to the Byzantine style of church architecture, the St. Sauveur Cathedral is dominated by a large cupola and two small towers framing the entrance.
"From the outside, the cupola has been covered in copper so that it fits in well with the other roves of Montreal churches. It's a small nod to the Québécois culture, to let them know we're all the same," Cassab said.
Another nod to Quebec culture is the cross in the church's main window, whose four extremities are shaped as fleur-de-lys. The church's bells will serve as a method of communication and "will add a little bit of life in the community," Cassab explained.
The exterior of the church and the columns were made of stone. The church's capacity is 825 , including the jube. Next to that are two rooms set up to provide children with a view of the action. The basement features an enfeu, an underground graveyard where deceased priests are buried.
Remarkably, the entire building was constructed in a year.
"We must thank God for that. We got to work with wonderful professionals" Cassab exhorted.
Partners
The project became a reality thanks to donors from the parish, who Cassab called the "builders," of the parish, and thanks to logistical help from the borough of Ahuntsic-Cartierville and College Bois-de-Boulogne. The Archbishop of Montreal and Longueuil helped in getting benches for the church.
"And we must underline the inestimable work of Monseigneur Ibrahim M. Ibrahim, the parish priest, who will officiate in the cathedral," Cassab said.
Mass will be held in three languages (French, English and Arab) every night at 7 p.m., and Sunday at noon. A French-only mass will be held Sunday at 10 a.m. The church's doors will be open during the day and a fixed schedule will soon be available, officials said.
Photo cathédrale 5
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