Address:

010000, Astana, 12B Respublika Avenue

Phone: (+7 7172) 53-72-57, (+7 7172) 53-69-67

Fax: (+7 7172) 53-72-58

Historical Background

The history of the church begins in 1852 when, at the request of the Governor-General, Emperor Nicholas I decreed that funds remaining from the construction of a parish in Kokchetav should be used for building a church in the Akmolinsk fortification. The construction of the wooden Church of Constantine and Helen began in 1854 and continued until October 1855. The church was consecrated on July 8, 1856.

By decree dated April 27, 1893, the Tobolsk Spiritual Consistory ordered the relocation of the wooden church to Akmolinskaya Stanitsa, on the central square. It was dismantled and moved to its new location.

On May 14, 1900, the foundation stone of the new church was laid on the current site. By early 1902, the church was fully erected and crowned with five domes.

For a long time, the Church of Constantine and Helen served as the center of the district for steppe churches, including many villages of the Akmolinsk district.

The church was closed in 1938; crosses were removed from the domes, and the bells were taken down. The building was repurposed as a historical and local history museum.

In 1941-1942, the building housed a signal battalion of the 29th Rifle Division, forming in Akmolinsk.

In 1942, following numerous requests from believers, services resumed in the Church of Constantine and Helen.

The church was later refurbished and adorned under the guidance of the resourceful and architecturally knowledgeable rector, Archimandrite Kirill (Borodin). The foundation was fitted with a chapel dedicated to the Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Prince Vladimir, and the bell tower, which was raised by one and a half tiers, housed a church dedicated to Saints Cyril and Methodius. Additionally, the church was beautified with new gilded icon cases, a carved iconostasis, stucco decorations with gilded elements, and wall paintings.

Current Status

In 1997, the capital of Kazakhstan was moved from Almaty to Akmola, which was renamed Astana.

The Church of Constantine and Helen was designated a cathedral from April 1, 1999.

It is the oldest religious building in Astana and holds architectural and historical significance.

In 2010, it ceased to be a cathedral.

Architectural Features and Technical Specifications:

The church is a five-domed structure, designed in the form of a perfect cross, adhering to the architectural style of the late 19th century.

It has three altars: the upper chapel dedicated to Emperor Constantine and Empress Helen, the lower chapel dedicated to Prince Vladimir, and the chapel in the upper part of the bell tower dedicated to Saints Cyril and Methodius.

The territory also includes the "Recovery of the Lost" women's monastery, which has its own church dedicated to Saint Alexander Nevsky.

Information About Non-Liturgical Buildings:

The cathedral's territory includes a Sunday school building, a refectory, a library, an administrative and utility complex, and a residence for the Head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan is under construction.

Relics of the Church:

The locally venerated icon of the Mother of God "Astana-Pochaev" (by decision of the Synod of the Metropolitan District of Kazakhstan on June 4, 2011, the icon's feast day is July 6, on Astana's city day)

An icon of the Righteous Simeon of Verkhoturye

A reliquary containing relics of saints

Feast Day:

June 3