Discover Hagia Sophia London
The Hagia Sophia London, officially named St. Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Cathedral, was built in the late 19th century to serve the growing Greek Orthodox population in London. This thriving community had found its home in areas such as Paddington, Bayswater (where the Hagia is located), and Notting Hill, and needed a dedicated space to practice their faith.
Building the church was an effort spearheaded by a committee led by Emmanuel Mavrocordato and other prominent figures of the Greek diaspora. Thanks to their efforts, and the financial contributions of merchants and philanthropists, the Cathedral was established. Today, the church doesn’t just hold religious services—it also contains a museum filled with treasures from these early benefactors.
London’s First Greek Orthodox Church
The Greek Orthodox presence in London began modestly in the late 1600s. Thanks to a persuasive priest and some royal goodwill from King Charles II, London’s first Greek Orthodox church was built for these early worshippers. The structure was a small church dedicated to the Assumption of the All-Holy Mother of God and had been built in Soho, on what is now Greek Street.
However, the location of this early church was a bit far from London’s Greek community, who were mostly hanging around the docks. By 1682, the church was sold off to French Huguenot refugees. Today, it is mentioned in an inscription tucked into Hagia Sophia’s entrance.
Before Hagia Sophia: Finsbury Circus and the London Wall
Fast forward to the 1700s. During this time, if London’s Greek Orthodox faithful weren’t squeezed into a chapel repurposed from a private house, they were borrowing space from the Russian Orthodox Church.
Eventually, a Greek Chapel opened on the first floor of a shipping firm in Finsbury Circus—yes, above an office! It became the spiritual and social heart for the growing Greek community until something grander was clearly needed.
By the mid-19th century, the Greek community was thriving. They pooled resources and commissioned a proper church on London Wall, designed by Greek architect Lysandros Kaftanzoglou. This wasn’t your average church though—it featured a bold Byzantine style, an eye-catching rarity in Victorian London.
The church officially opened its doors for Christmas 1849, marking a major milestone. But as the community grew even larger, so did their vision for something truly spectacular.
Opening the Hagia Sophia London
By the 1870s, the Greek Orthodox faithful had traded the business of London town for the more genteel surroundings of Bayswater. This gave rise to a grand project—a new cathedral that could accommodate the growing numbers. With a dream team of prominent merchants, architects, and a lawyer-slash-Byzantine-enthusiast, Emmanuel Mavrocordato and his committee got to work.
Architect John Oldrid Scott (whose father Sir George Gilbert Scott designed St. Pancras Station) took inspiration from Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia itself. They weren’t messing around either—600 detailed plans were drawn up before a single brick was laid. By June 1879, the first liturgy was held, and in 1882, the church was officially consecrated.
Fun facts: The Scott family have designed cathedrals on five continents and Sir Giles Gilbert Scott is the creative genius behind Britain’s iconic red telephone box. Talk about a family with range!
Surviving The Blitz
World War II brought immense challenges, even to places of worship. The Hagia Sophia London became a symbol of national pride when London housed the Greek government in exile, turning the church into the de facto Cathedral of the Greek nation. Despite suffering damage during the Blitz, the Cathedral was repaired and restored, emerging stronger and more significant in its role as a cultural and religious beacon.
The Hagia Sophia London Today
Worship and a Modest Museum
In 2006, a museum was established in the church's basement, showcasing treasures donated by its 19th-century patrons. From religious artifacts to exhibits detailing the rich history of the Greek Orthodox community in London, the museum is a fascinating peek into the past for curious visitors.
Today, the Hagia Sophia London is a place of Greek culture and tradition. Regular Saturday and Sunday services are enriched by the sounds of a Greek polyphonic choir and Byzantine music. This choir has the distinction of being the longest-established Greek Orthodox choir in Western Europe!
The Greek School of St Sophia
The Cathedral also houses an associated school, the Greek School of St Sophia, which caters primarily to second- and third-generation Greek children. Operating every Saturday, the school welcomes children as young as four to dive into Greek language, history, and orthodoxy—they can even learn traditional Greek dancing. It’s a fun way for kids to connect with their heritage while working towards modern goals such as Greek GCSEs and A-levels.
Inside the Hagia Sophia London
Designed in the shape of a Greek cross, Hagia Sophia London’s yellow brick exterior with red brick banding may seem understated, but a closer look reveals the intricate terracotta banding and impressive copper work that give it a unique character.
The arched windows and doors are subtle nods to its Byzantine Revival roots, while the interior takes opulence to another level. The dome, decorated with multicolored glass enamel and finished with stunning gold-encrusted mosaics crafted by artists like Arthur George Walker and Boris Anrep, gives the Hagia Sophia an ethereal glow.
John Oldrid Scott himself designed the wooden iconostasis, ensuring it matched the grandeur of the mosaics and other fittings. The wooden iconostasis, carved by the London-based firm Farmer & Brindley and painted by Ludwig Thiersch, adds an extra layer of grandeur.
Visiting the Hagia Sophia London
Planning a visit? The Hagia Sophia London is located on Moscow Road in Bayswater and is open for private prayer on select days and offers a schedule of services throughout the month. Here’s what you need to know:
- Private Prayer: Open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10 am to 2 pm.
- Public Access: Open on Mondays from 2 pm to 4 pm and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 am to 12:30 pm.
- Confessions: Saturdays after the Vespers Service, which begins at 4:30 pm.
The surrounding Bayswater neighborhood is worth exploring, with its mix of cultures including French, Italian, Brazilian, and more.
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