Transfiguration Cathedral in Khabarovsk

The Far East is a special region of the Russian Federation; it is a kind of eastern façade of Christian Europe on the Pacific coast. And although these territories have been part of Russia for about four centuries, relatively few historical churches in the Far East have survived - this is due to the social upheavals that the cruel twentieth century brought to the world. But in the Far Eastern Federal District there are completely new churches - and very impressive!

The Cathedral of the Transfiguration of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was built in Khabarovsk, on the banks of the Amur River in the period from 2001 to 2004. Today it is rightfully considered the main temple of the capital of the Russian Far East. The cathedral is the tallest building in the city and the third tallest church in the country - after the Moscow Cathedral of Christ the Savior and St. Isaac's Cathedral in St. Petersburg. Its domes rose to a height of 83 meters, and the tops of the crosses on them rose to all 95 meters. It is more than twice the height of one of the tallest historical buildings in Khabarovsk - the Radio House, located nearby. In good weather, domes with crosses of the Transfiguration Cathedral are visible even on the other side of the Amur - the Chinese side.

The beginning of the history of the cathedral in Khabarovsk is associated with the name of the blessed memory of Alexy II, the former patriarch of Moscow and All Russia. It was he who approved the plan and gave a blessing for the construction of a new cathedral in the capital of the Far East, the size and beauty of which would correspond to its status as the main temple in the region.

After completing a prayer, planners, architects and builders got down to business. The architects Yuri Zhivetyev, Nikolai Prokudin and Yevgeny Semyonov became the authors of the cathedral's project. In the first year of the new millennium, the first stone was laid and consecrated at the foundation of the Khabarovsk Cathedral. The construction of the majestic temple was carried out according to modern technologies and at the same time - in accordance with the traditions of Russian temple architecture. The five-domed cathedral was built on donations from the residents of the Khabarovsk Territory, a considerable part of which was contributed by enterprises and organizations of the region. A group of artists from Moscow was invited to paint the interior by the ruling bishop, Bishop Mark of Khabarovsk and Priamursk. Inside the cathedral, they created frescoes fascinating with their beauty, and under the dome were placed images of the Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ and the holy apostles. In 2004, the work in the Transfiguration Cathedral was completed. October 16 Bishop Mark of Khabarovsk and Priamorsk performed here a thanksgiving service on the occasion of the successful completion of construction.

In addition to the main chapel, consecrated in honor and glory of the Transfiguration of the Lord, the cathedral also has a special lower church. Today, the Khabarovsk Cathedral can accommodate three thousand worshipers at a time. In addition to its important religious significance, the temple has become a bright landmark of Khabarovsk and one of the informal symbols of the Far Eastern capital. On the days of the Great Church Feasts, believers from all over the city rush here to pray for the solemn episcopal divine service. Quite a few guests come here - tourists from other Russian regions, as well as from abroad, who are fascinated by the beauty and power of this modern Orthodox church.

With all this, the Transfiguration Cathedral is something more than just a visiting card of the Russian Far East, which is being renewed today. This is a large Orthodox parish uniting many local believers in the search for salvation and common labors. Parish life here is rich and varied; an important place in it is occupied by social projects aimed at supporting residents of the city and region, regardless of their religious and national accessories. A separate long-term social work project is entirely devoted to helping mothers and children. Many young parishioners are united by the brotherhood of the Apostle Andrew the First-Called operating at the cathedral.

Despite its very young age by church standards, the Transfiguration Cathedral of Khabarovsk has already become an integral part of the history of the city and the region. You can get to it by following the public transport to the Ploschad Slavy stop. The address of the cathedral is the city of Khabarovsk, Turgenev street, 24.

You can write a letter to God or light a candle in the temple .