Month: January 2020

Holy Trinity Cathedral is located at 1121 North Leavitt Street in Chicago’s East Ukrainian Village neighborhood. It was designed by renowned architect Louis Sullivan and the cornerstone was laid in 1902. It was consecrated by Bishop Tithonus in March of 1903. Holy Trinity was designated a cathedral in 1923 and in 1976, the Cathedral and rectory were listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and received official designation as a Chicago Landmark in 1979. Holy Trinity holds the honor of being the first Orthodox community in Chicago. Holy Trinity offers many community programs such as education and meals. And the church flyer says, “Everyone is invited and welcome to be a part of this parish family.” I took a tour of the Cathedral with Grace. It is a beautiful church and Grace was very welcoming and knowledgeable!

Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleum is located at 1400 S. Wolf Rd. in Hillside Illinois. It is the world’s largest Catholic mausoleum and is really three mausoleums in one. Queen of Heaven was established in 1956; Queen of Angels in 1961; and Queen of All Saints in 1964. There are over 33,000 crypts, 9,000 of which are still available.

The mausoleum contains an amazing display of artwork. There are 217 stained glass windows, dozens of statues, mosaics, hardwoods and 48 types of maple works.

The Queen of Heaven Chapel (Our Lady’s Chapel) looks like a regular chapel, but on the sides of the chapel are crypts. This type of entombment was favored in early Christian times and it was believed that the closer the body was to the altar, the better the chance the person would go to heaven (because of the prayers by parishioners). The large stained glass window in back of the altar commemorates the Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven.

As I walked throughout the building, I could feel what a special place this is…………….I’m so grateful that I happened to find this beautiful place with my good friend Carmen while we were visiting her mother’s grave.

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The romantic Ivanhoe Theater was located at 3000 N. Clark Street in Chicago. It was also known as Ivanhoe Castle (or Building) and contained the Ivanhoe Restaurant as well. The restaurant and bar portion was in operation from 1920 – 1975. It began as a speakeasy in the 1920s.The theater was added in 1966. In the late 1960s and 1970s they presented such notable actors as Sandy Dennis, Christopher Walken, James Broderick, Ellen Burstyn, and many others. In the 1980s the Ivanhoe ran productions of many local theater companies, such as the Steppenwolf, Victory Gardens with hits such as Prelude to a Kiss and the God of Isaac. The Ivanhoe is now a Binny’s liquor store.

On this postcard below, the Ivanhoe was called the Seventh Wonder of Chicago with all the romance of medieval ages captured in this picturesque cafe. Dining – Dancing – Entertainment in the enchanted forest. Thrills in the weird catacombs, 300 feet below. King Richard’s Playhouse. Friar Tuck’s Cellerage. The Black Knight’s Inn. 7 Distinctive Bars. “A Luxury You Can Afford.” The romantic Ivanhoe. GRAceland 2771. 3000 N. Clark St. Chicago