What makes something a "Cathedral"?

[AMM]

I was talking with a friend today about Orthodox cathedrals, and how there were 3 all in Washington DC. But then that made me wonder -- what is it about them that makes them cathedrals and not just parishes? I've been to a liturgy at St Nicholas (OCA), and it wasn't presided over by a bishop. Which, I thought, okay, maybe he's traveling or something, no big deal. But then I was looking into it more and the Assembly of Bishops website shows where the bishops are located... none of them are listed in DC. So now I'm just confused. I thought a cathedral was where the bishop was located. Any clarification?

 

[Aleph.beth]

The dictionary definition would be that there is a Bishop who has his seat there. Seat in latin is cathedra, thus cathedral.

Practice may vary in different churches, and history may come in and change the way it is.

 

[ArmyMatt]

yes, it's the Church where a bishop has or had his seat.

 

[AMM]

yes, it's the Church where a bishop has or had his seat.

So are the bishops usually officed/located apart from their cathedral?

Which are the 3 bishops in DC? (With St Nicholas (OCA), St John (ROCOR), and St Sophia (GOA)?

 

[ArmyMatt]

So are the bishops usually officed/located apart from their cathedral?

Which are the 3 bishops in DC? (With St Nicholas (OCA), St John (ROCOR), and St Sophia (GOA)?

they can be.

Met Tikhon is OCA, dunno about the other two.

 

[AMM]

they can be.

Met Tikhon is OCA, dunno about the other two.

thanks!

 

[ArmyMatt]

no probs!