Assumption Cathedral of the Astana diocese was built recently. It was consecrated in 2010. The white marble cathedral in the Russian-Byzantine style has become a true Orthodox shrine and the spiritual and cultural center of the Kazakh Metropolis.
Construction history
Back in 1998, Archbishop Alexy wrote a petition addressed to the President for the allocation of a plot of land for the construction of the main Orthodox church in Kazakhstan, which was approved. The construction itself began with the arrival of Metropolitan Methodius.
In 2004, the design of the cathedral was completed. A construction site was set up on the site of the future temple.
At the request of future parishioners, a small temporary wooden church in the name of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker was installed on the territory of the cathedral under construction, in which divine services and services were performed on Sundays.
By the spring of 2006, the premises of the lower church, located in the basement, were ready to receive parishioners. The first service was held on Easter 2006, after whichservices in the cathedral under construction have become regular.
In 2007, domes were delivered from Russia. The belfry was installed on the site of the St. Nicholas Wooden Church, which was moved to the village of Malotimofeevka near Astana.
By the beginning of 2009, the building acquired the recognizable magnificent appearance of an Orthodox church. The walls were completed, vaults with five domed drums and semicircular apses on the east side were installed.
Simultaneously with the construction of the Assumption Cathedral in Astana, work was also carried out to improve the territory of the Orthodox complex: a stone fence with bars was installed, paving stones were laid, and a water chapel was installed.
Description
The Holy Assumption Cathedral has become the largest and most significant Orthodox church not only in Kazakhstan, but throughout Central Asia. Its height from the base of the building to the top of the central cross is 68 meters. The area of the cathedral is 2000 m2 and can accommodate 4000 people at the same time.
The temple has high window openings through which a lot of sunlight always enters the building. The cathedral is crowned with five gilded domes, which symbolize Jesus Christ and the apostles-evangelists.
The cathedral includes 4 altars: the main one is dedicated to the Dormition of the Mother of God, the southern aisle - to the Archangel Michael, the northern one - to Saints Cyril and Methodius, the throne of the lower temple - in honor of the new martyrs and confessors of Kazakhstan.
In 2011, a new iconostasis with a width of 37meters, including 170 icons. All of them are written on linden boards and are distinguished by multi-color coloring and precise drawing of details.
30 masters worked on the painting of the temple. The frescoes cover the walls of the temple with a continuous decorative carpet and blend harmoniously with the iconostasis. The wall painting was made according to the sketches of V. Kurilov and painted in the manner of the Palekh masters on sky blue and gold backgrounds.
Temple Activities
The church has opened a Sunday school for children from 3 to 15 years old, in which young parishioners comprehend spiritual and moral disciplines, as well as engage in arts and crafts.
In order to gain knowledge about the Orthodox faith, evening educational courses for adult laity are held at the cathedral. Also, those who have musical abilities have the opportunity to attend church singing classes.
The Orthodox Youth Movement (APMD) conducts its work at the ROC of the Assumption Cathedral. Boys and girls carry out their activities in several directions: social, family, pilgrimage and missionary.
The Cathedral publishes its own magazine, Pravoslavny Vestnik. Various exhibitions, concerts, spiritual seminars are organized. There are sports clubs and English language courses.
At the temple, the pilgrimage department is actively working, which organizes trips to spiritual Orthodox shrines in the near and far abroad.
Service Schedule
Temple worksdaily from 8:00 to 19:00.
Orthodox services are held according to the following schedule:
- 8:30 - confession;
- 9:00 - morning service;
- 17:00 - Evening Service.
The sacrament of Baptism is performed on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 13:00.
On Tuesdays and Thursdays for those in need from 14:00 to 17:00 a charity clothing warehouse is open.
On Sundays from 11:00 to 13:00 the historical Orthodox Museum is open in the cathedral.
In the Assumption Cathedral of Astana there is a church shop where you can buy the necessary church goods: spiritual literature, icons, candles, as well as order spiritual requirements.
Address
Assumption Cathedral in Astana is located at the address: 6 microdistrict, st. Kuishi Dina, house 27.
The current phone number of the Holy Assumption Church can be found on the official website of the organization. You can also ask a priest a question there.
You can get to the Assumption Cathedral in Astana:
- buses number 3, 11, 18, 23, 28;
- shuttle bus number 101, 107, 108.
You should get off at the bus stop "School No. 22".
