Originally constructed in 1955, Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Washington, DC is one of the most prominent Greek Orthodox churches in the United States, celebrated for its Byzantine architecture, iconography, and mosaics. In 2023, the cathedral launched a major renovation of its narthex to enhance the space while preserving its historic character and spiritual significance.
Having previously completed the cathedral’s interior and exterior stone restoration as part of a major 2004 renovation, Rugo Stone was engaged early as both consultant and artisan partner. With decades of involvement across multiple cathedral projects, Rugo Stone was selected to serve as General Contractor for this highly specialized undertaking.
The project included demolition and reconstruction of ceilings and walls, installation of new Perlato Sicilia marble wall cladding to match the existing nave finishes, creation of new door openings, structural modifications to CMU walls, and installation of custom millwork doors. Additional stonework featured Rosso Levanto marble for offering tables, candle stands, and vanity tops. A full-scale wall mockup incorporating both mosaic and stone elements was developed and approved prior to construction.
The centerpiece of the renovation was an extensive Byzantine mosaic program covering the narthex walls, ceilings, arches, soffits, and beams. The design incorporated Venetian glass, 24-carat gold mosaic, and hand-crafted Giallo Siena stone mosaics arranged in continuous ornamental and symbolic compositions. Prominent Byzantine symbols, including the Chi Rho and Justinian Cross, served as key design elements.
Rugo Stone collaborated with renowned iconographer Dionysios Boloubassis, whose hand-painted artwork formed the basis for the mosaics. Master artisans recreated the designs using traditional Byzantine methods, fabricating each tesserae in-house from specially sourced Italian Giallo Siena marble and Venetian glass. The mosaics were assembled and installed using the traditional Direct Method, ensuring precision and authenticity.
Completed on schedule, the renovation transformed the narthex into an immersive Byzantine space that honors the cathedral’s heritage while showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and reinforcing the longstanding partnership between Saint Sophia Cathedral and Rugo Stone.
Location: Washington, DC
Completion Date: 2026
Owner: Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral
Size: 2,000 sqft
Architect: Studio Upwall Architects
General Contractor: Rugo Stone
Services Performed: Consultation, General Contracting, Stonework, Mosaic Art, CNC & Waterjet fabrication
