Cathedral of Constantine and Helena
The Original Church
In 1852, Russian Emperor Nicholas I ordered the construction of a temple in Akmolinsk (the former name of Astana). The exact location of its erection remains unclear, but it is known that it was built between 1854 and 1856. In 1893, a decision was made to move the church closer to the center of the city. Since the building was wooden, it was dismantled and relocated near the modern K. Munaitpasov Stadium.
The church was dedicated to Emperor Constantine and his mother Helena. These historical figures were chosen intentionally; Emperor Constantine I made Christianity the dominant religion in Rome, while his mother was known for her efforts in spreading Christianity.
New Location
In 1900, the foundation stone for a new church was laid at a new site, where it still stands today. Construction was completed two years later. However, in 1938, with the establishment of Communism, the church was closed, the crosses were removed from the domes, and the bells were taken down from the bell tower. For several years, the building housed a local history museum.
During 1941-1942, the communications battalion of the 29th Infantry Division was stationed in the building. Due to numerous requests from believers, services resumed in 1942.
Architectural Features and Facilities
The temple is built in the shape of a regular cross. The church's site includes a library, a refectory, a Sunday school, a convent, and a chapel dedicated to Alexander Nevsky.
Tourists are welcome to visit the church and will be amazed by its beautiful interior. It is adorned with a carved iconostasis, stucco with gilding, and wall paintings. The church also houses several shrines, including the Astana-Pochaevskaya icon of the Most Holy Theotokos, the icon of the Simeon of Verkhoturye, and a reliquary containing relics of saints.
Services and Offerings
Services are held daily at 9:00 am and 5:00 pm. There is a church shop at the cathedral where visitors can purchase candles, icons, books, and order various services such as christenings, weddings, anointings of the sick, and funeral services.
How to get there?
Address: Astana, 12B Respublika Ave.
To visit the cathedral, you can take buses #1, 2, 3, 10, 20, 23, 25, 31, 32, 37, 45, or 52. If you are coming from the left bank, disembark at the “Amangeldy Imanov” stop. If traveling from the old city center, get off at the “Zhanibek Tarkhan” stop.
Other tourist attractions near the cathedral:
- Respublika Avenue
- Esil River Embankment
- Military History Museum
- Atatürk Park
- E. Rakhmadiyev Philharmonic Hall
- Arbat Street
- Trading House of Merchant Matvey Kubrin
- Monument to Khan Kenesary
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