Oldest active church of the city and keeper of centuries-old traditions of Orthodoxy -
Constantine and Helen Cathedral is a unique historical and architectural monument whose chronicle is inextricably linked with the formation of the city. The history of this shrine in the city of Astana began in 1852 by the personal order of Emperor Nicholas I.
Initially, the wooden church was erected in 1856 on the territory of the Akmolinsk fortification, but later, in 1900, it was carefully dismantled and moved to a new location (Respublika Avenue), where it remains to this day.
The church is located in the historical center on the right bank. In the immediate vicinity of the cathedral territory is the Astana Arbat, where the life of street artists is in full swing, and the majestic monument to Kenesary Khan. Nearby is the embankment of the Esil River, and across the river lies the Central Park of the city, making a visit to the cathedral an ideal part of a walk through the most soulful district for which the capital Astana is famous.
The architectural appearance of the cathedral in the form of a regular cross, crowned with five golden domes, harmoniously complements this historical quarter. The capital Astana carefully preserves this wooden cathedral, where the interior decoration with gilded icon cases and a carved iconostasis make parishioners and tourists freeze in delight.
Literally a few minutes' walk from the church gates is the Atyrau pedestrian bridge, made in the form of fish scales. Through it, you can cross to the left bank of the river directly into the city park, where you can walk and relax at the Ailand family recreation center.
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How to get there and visit -
Constantine and Helen Cathedral is located at the address: 12B Respublika Avenue, right bank of the Esil River, Baikonur district, Astana city, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 51°09'40"N 71°25'52"E
Transport accessibility here is excellent. Buses follow to the stops "Zhanibek Tarkhan" or "Amangeldy Imanov" in the following order: No. 52, 45, 37, 32, 31, 25, 23, 21, 20, 10, 3, 2, and 1. If you are coming from the left bank, it is more convenient to get off at the Imanov stop.
Operating mode: daily from 08:00 to 19:00.
Divine services are held at 09:00 and 17:00.
The Sacrament of Baptism is performed on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 13:00.
A church shop operates at the cathedral, where you can purchase candles, icons, and order services: weddings, baptisms, or the blessing of cars and apartments.
Contacts: +7 7172 25 14 90; +7 7172 53 72 57
www.sobor.kz
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History
The construction of the first church in the Akmolinsk fortification began in 1854. In 1900, the structure was dismantled and moved closer to the center of the stanitsa – where the cathedral stands now. Construction at the new site was completed by 1902. In 1938, the church was closed, the bells and crosses were removed, and the building was handed over to the local history museum.
During the war years (1941–1942), a communications battalion was located here, but already in 1942, thanks to the persistence of believers, services were resumed. From 1999 to 2010, the cathedral held the status of a cathedral church. Today, it is the oldest religious building, which represents huge architectural value for the city of Astana.
Information
The church has three altars: the central one (Constantine and Helen), the lower one (Prince Vladimir), and the upper one on the bell tower (Cyril and Methodius). The technical equipment of the building includes a modern heating system installed back in the 60s. On the territory of the cathedral, there is the "Searching for the Perished" convent, a Sunday school, a refectory, and a large library.
The interior space of the cathedral strikes with gilded stucco and wall paintings. Special attention should be paid to the carved iconostasis on the bell tower. For those who want to study the details, 3D tours are available. The church belongs to the Astana and Almaty diocese and is open to tourists of all confessions.
Detailed description of the object
Priceless relics are kept inside the cathedral:
• "Astana–Pochaev" Icon – the main shrine, brought from Pochaev in the 60s. It is celebrated annually on July 6.
• "Quick to Hear" Icon – a pre-revolutionary image that miraculously stood facing the doors in the NKVD basement when the church was allowed to open in 1942.
• Icon of Simeon of Verkhoturye – and a reliquary with particles of the saints' relics.
• Lower aisle – consecrated in honor of Prince Vladimir, located in the basement part, distinguished by special gilded decoration.
• Upper church – on the bell tower, dedicated to the enlighteners Cyril and Methodius.
Architecture
The cathedral building is built in the form of a regular cross, which was the canon for architecture at the end of the 19th century. Initially, it was a purely wooden structure made of Siberian pine. Five heads (domes) crown the church, creating a majestic silhouette. Despite the modesty of the external decor, the cathedral looks very rich inside thanks to the gilded icon cases and stucco. This is an example of how durable and beautiful religious buildings were created in the steppe region.
Legend
The most famous legend is associated with the "Quick to Hear" icon. They say that when it was taken from the church on a truck in 1938, it stood up by itself facing the cathedral and rode that way all the way to the NKVD basement. When, years later, the believers came for it, the icon turned out to be the first at the entrance, as if waiting to return home.
They also talk about the grave of Protopriest Vasily behind the altar – his relics were found during construction in the 70s, and since then he has been considered the invisible protector of this place.
Conclusion
Constantine and Helen Cathedral is a "living book" of the history of the right bank. A visit to this place gives a feeling of peace and involvement in the past of Akmolinsk. Thanks to its proximity to the Astana Arbat and the Atyrau pedestrian bridge, the cathedral easily fits into a walking route. The capital Astana is rightfully proud of this shrine, which has carried the light of faith and kindness through the centuries.
Interesting attractions nearby:
• Ataturk Park;
• Zher-Ana Monument;
• Military-Historical Museum of the Armed Forces of the RK;
• Amphitheater on the embankment of the Esil River;
• "Astana" Concert Hall.
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