OCA Demolishes Holy Resurrection Cathedral in Wilkes-Barre
Offers from a Greek-American businessman to purchase the church did not save it—nor did interventions by Mayor George Brown, councilor Tony Brooks, and state officials.
WILKES-BARRE — The Holy Resurrection Orthodox Cathedral, a century-old landmark of the Orthodox Church in America, was demolished this week, despite a campaign to save it.
The Wilkes-Barre parish was founded by St. Alexis Toth in 1892. It faced dwindling membership and costly repairs, voted in 2024 to close the church. The Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania approved its sale for $300,000.
In a September 16, 2024 letter, parish president Bain David Hutz cited the dire state of the cathedral’s roof and ceiling, noting that repairs would deplete the parish’s funds. With an aging congregation and insufficient income, maintaining the church became unsustainable.
Greek-American businessman Demetri Patitsas offered $200,000 to purchase the cathedral, intending to transform it into a spiritual center and headquarters for the St. Paul’s Fellowship of Labor.
Despite his efforts, the diocese did not respond, and a demolition permit was issued. Interventions by Mayor George Brown, councilor Tony Brooks, and state officials failed to halt the process.
“It was shocking,” Patitsas told the National Herald, describing the demolition. “This church held generations of memories. Our faith and history are at stake.”
Previously, the UOJ reported on the efforts by Patitsas—a member of the "Genuine Orthodox Church"—to purchase Holy Resurrection cathedral.
