Cathedrale grecque Saint-Etienne de Paris, Paris

A very important outdoor enclosure in Bizet Street and an equally spacious interior. This Cathedral is beautiful but very dark. A stop is required if you go through there now, come specifically for visiting the places, maybe not. For my part, I really preferred the Orthodox Church of the street Daru

This Cathedral, which is more like a church, by its size, is located at n ° 7 rue Georges Bizet, in the 16th arrondissement. Surprised to see her open, I go under the porch and find myself in the presence of a lady, who acts as a babysitter and maintenance staff. So I was fortunate to be welcomed and able to speak. What is always a passport, for a good entry in matters to visit and take pictures. If I understand this "Cathedral" is the Parisian seat of the Metropolitan Greek Orthodox of France. The rites are from the original churches of the Eastern Roman Empire. Dating from 1895, this church incorporates the Byzantine style of Orthodox buildings. The façade is in the alignment of the buildings of the street. It is on a central plane with a triforium with balusters and stained-glass Windows, with open arched arches. The façade is topped by a set of lancets in the shape of a marquee. The Church is also, of course, surmounted by a dome that sees itself badly from the street. The hallway of the entrance is covered with dedications and ex voto. From the corridor, which acts as narthex, three Royal Gates give access to the nave. The ceremonial and prayer room is quite small, with marble columns and carved capitals, supporting full-arch arches. The Oconostasis, which separates the celebrants from the faithful, is particularly decorated with very beautiful icons and representations with medallions. It is under a half Vault decorated with a polychrome fresco, depicting Christ in Majesty. It is traditionally placed on a marble templon with steps. The objects of worship are gathered on the sides of the Oconostasis, including a very beautiful pulpit in marble left and right a seat of the celebrant and Bishop, carved wood. The Soléa, in the center of the front altar, is gilded and carved copper. On the sides and on the bottom of the nave, stands greet the faithful. The central dome, with small glass roofs, barely illuminates the nave. Which was contrite to light the ceiling chandeliers. The sides of the nave are open from polychrome stained glass with geometric and floral drawings. The sacristy, which I have visited, is unusual for me with its very special objects of worship. This "Cathedral" does not lack charm and the decorations are very nice Bill. At the end of the entrance hallway you can see the private spaces of the priests, with a patio and a small inner garden. This Cathedral is accessible by metro station "Iéna" line n ° 9. Then take Avenue Pierre I er from Serbia then the 4th Street on the right, Georges Bizet.