Sts. Volodymyr & Olha Ukrainian Catholic Church at Open House Chicago

The Church of Sts. Volodymyr and Olha in Chicago is built in a pure Byzantine style prevalent in present-day Ukraine during the 11th century, and was the only eastern rite church chosen for WTTW "Most Beautiful Places in Chicago" special. Its shape, its emphasis is on rounded arches and domes, and even the fact that it faces East has meaning. The front of the church is adorned with a large mosaic depicting the baptism of Rus-Ukraine in the year 988 by its ruler, Prince Volodymyr and his grandmother, Olha. The interior features vibrant Byzantine iconography depicting scenes from Christian Scripture and Saints, as well as a hand-carved oak Iconostasis. The main level and balcony/choir loft of the church building will be open for self-guided tours. There will be 10-minute talks describing the architecture and iconography given throughout the day. Visitors are asked not to go beyond the marble stairs leading to the icon screen.