First Greek Orthodox cathedral in Suffolk is Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church of the Hamptons

Suffolk County now has its first Greek Orthodox Cathedral after the worldwide spiritual leader of that religion bestowed the title on a parish in Southampton.

His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who is touring the United States with stops at the White House and the U.N. General Assembly, bestowed the title of cathedral on the Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church of the Hamptons on Sunday.

It is only the second Greek Orthodox Cathedral on Long Island — another is in Hempstead at St. Paul’s. A cathedral is considered the principal Greek Orthodox church in a certain geographical area.

Fr. Alexander Karloutsos, who leads the church in Southampton, said the upgraded status was a great honor and would help energize the church’s outreach work throughout the East En