Syrian Orthodox Archmandrite Raphael Hawaweeny arrived in New York City in 1895, accompanied by Nicholas, Bishop of Alaska, the Aleutian Islands and head of the Russian Orthodox Church in America). They dedicated the chapel at 77 Washington Street on November 17. Located on the second floor above Mallouk & Abo Samra Importing Company, the chapel was elaborately furnished: "No other sanctuary in New York is half so gorgeous and gay," said one reporter of the dedication. The ornate chandeliers, icons, candlesticks, and tapestries were brought by Hawaweeny from Russia. The large Orthodox congregation yearned for a church of their own and were able to build one in Brooklyn in 1901.