Erie, Pennsylvania

Erie is a city located in Erie County, Pennsylvania, on the coast of Lake Erie. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 103,717. It is county seat of Erie County{{GR|6}}.

Ethnicities and Religion

Like many cities in the so-called "Rust Belt," Erie is home to a substantial Polish-American community, consisting of descendants of immigrants from the 20th Century. To a lesser extent may be found persons of Slovak, German, and Italian origin.

Related Topics:
Rust Belt - Polish-American

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The Roman Catholic Church has a significant presence in Erie. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Erie, under Bishop Donald Trautman, is the largest diocese, geographically speaking, in the state, covering some 13 counties. In Erie are three Catholic high schools and numerous Catholic grade schools, all served by the Diocese of Erie. Its cathedral church is St. Peter Cathedral, at 230 W. 10th Street. St. Peter's steeple is the highest structure in the city.

Related Topics:
Roman Catholic Church - Cathedral - Steeple

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The Episcopal Church has a strong presence in the city. The Episcopal Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania is based in Erie, which serves 13 counties. Its cathedral church is St. Paul's Cathedral, located at 134 W. 7th Street.

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Recently, Erie has seen a great influx of families from Kosovo and Bosnia, to the extent that the city now has a Bosnian-American Cultural Center and a Bosnian Festival. Many of these immigrants are Muslims.

Related Topics:
Kosovo - Bosnia - Muslim

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In the early 20th Century, Erie had a significant Russian immigrant community, many of whom worked in the now-closed shipbuilding plants along the bayfront. Unusually for a Great Lakes city, a substantial number of these Russian immigrants were Old Believers. Even today, the gold-domed Church of the Nativity, on the bayfront near the former heart of the Russian community, is an Old Believer church. Bishop Daniel of Erie, of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia, is based in Erie and is the Vicar President of the Synod of Bishops for the Old Believers.

Related Topics:
Russia - Shipbuilding - Old Believer

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