The Cathedral
of saint john the evangelist

The Cathedra

The word “cathedral” comes from the Greek word cathedra, meaning “chair or throne.” The cathedra is the bishop’s chair. It is the symbol of his role as chief teacher and pastor of the local church. Thus the cathedral draws its name from the symbol of the unity of the archdiocese.

The present cathedra has been fashioned from marble from the old communion rail and is on the two-step platform directly south of the altar. Collamendino rossa marble from the communion rail was used in the construction of the chair or cathedra. It is located on the axis extending south from the altar, with two of the cathedral’s pillars as a backdrop. This is the place from which the archbishop presides over cathedral celebrations. It is also a place from which he may choose to preach and teach.