Helsinki Assumption Cathedral (Uspenskin katedraali) is the largest Orthodox church in Northern and Western Europe.
Where is
It is located on the island of Katajanokka ( Katajanokka ) in the historical center of the capital of Finland. Previously, it was a peninsula, but now the Katayanokk Canal separates it from the city. You can get there by bridges built in several places.
The Assumption Cathedral is located on a hill , and the surroundings of Helsinki are therefore visible from here clearly. Going around it, you can enjoy beautiful views from all sides. A hill, or, as is often said, a rock at its base can serve as an observation deck.
Architecture
The Assumption Cathedral (Helsinki) attracts many tourists not only in its advantageous location, but in its size, the beauty of architecture, and its color.
The cathedral is built of red brick. It was imprudent to use other material, because it was built on an elevation and strong winds blowing from the sea would quickly destroy the plaster.
From a distance, red walls stand out and domes shining in the sun with gold and emerald greenery - this is the Assumption Cathedral. Helsinki is rightfully proud of this temple.
In the southern part of the building is a bell tower, which is connected to the main building by a gallery. There is also a semicircular altar. The height of the bell tower is 51 meters.
The Cathedral is thirteen-headed, which symbolizes Jesus and his 12 apostles. Another dome adorns the bell tower. External walls with their ledges, reliefs, indentations create a beautiful brick pattern. On the wall at the entrance there is a cast-iron board with a brief historical reference for numerous tourists.
Looking at the Assumption Cathedral (Helsinki), I want to photograph a lot, from all sides, from different angles. Exactly the same feelings arise directly against the walls, only now they conquer the views of the city.
What's inside
The central dome is supported by four skillfully polished granite columns. It symbolizes the vault of heaven. A dove soars in the sky - the Holy Spirit.
Under the upper row of windows are portraits of Moscow Saints, along the arches are Biblical sayings. The two-tier iconostasis is decorated with gilded carvings, and the icons themselves are painted in an academic style on a gold background.
The Assumption Cathedral (Helsinki) has a large collection of icons, many of them have historical value as works of art, there are those that are considered miraculous, there are also those that have been overgrown with legends over the years.
Among the most revered is the icon of the Mother of God of Kozelshchanskaya, which was stolen from the cathedral in 2010 along with numerous jewelry brought as gifts for the help of worshipers. At that time, a flood of Romanian refugees flooded into the country, who often hunted by theft. The icon was found and returned to its original place six months later, when uninvited guests raided the Assumption Cathedral and were detained. The returned icon was in a deplorable state, as she spent several months in a dirty hole under the snow. The restoration was carried out by specialists of the Valaam Monastery.
But the icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, stolen in 2007, never returned to the temple.
Construction
The construction of the cathedral began in 1862. In those days, Finland was part of the Russian State. And the beginning of everything was a letter from the local Orthodox priest, Father Nikolai, who asked the sovereign to build a new church for the rapidly growing number of Orthodox, through the Governor-General of Finland, Fedor Fedorovich Berg.
Alexander II decided that the church should be built on a high place so that it does not differ in height from the Lutheran Cathedral. In those days and to this day, Finland has two main official religions: Lutheranism and Orthodoxy. Everything was built up in the center, and the Assumption Cathedral (Helsinki) began to be erected on the Katayanokka Peninsula at the top of the cliff. In those years, the huts of the poorest city dwellers huddled here, it was dirty and groomed. But when the temple was erected, the local rich were forced to go there. Gradually, the area began to be put in order, new modern buildings were built there, and as a result, it became one of the prosperous areas of Helsinki, which is to this day.
Money for the construction was collected by the whole world. More than 200 thousand rubles were spent on the construction of the temple. Funds were allocated by the Synod, Emperor Alexander II and members of the royal family, the merchant guild, the Chapter of Orders.
Brick for construction was delivered from the Åland Islands, where the Bomarsund Fortress was destroyed during the Crimean War.
Temple utensils were granted by the local population - parishioners of the church.
The project of the Assumption Cathedral belonged to the academician of architecture Alexei Maksimovich Gornostaev, who came to Helsinki to exercise control over the construction. The design of the temple of the 16th century in Kolomenskoye is based on. Unfortunately, poor health led to the rapid death of the architect, and Ivan Alexandrovich Warnek, who completed the construction of the temple in Sveaborg, was called in his place, who, having made a minimum of changes to the project, namely, replacing the belfry with a bell tower, and completed the construction of the cathedral.
Assumption Cathedral (Helsinki) was consecrated in October 1868 by Vyborg Bishop Paul.
Temple restoration
By the centenary of the cathedral was overhauled. Cracks in the walls were closed, domes and towers were restored. Updated gilding. Window frames were replaced with bronze window blocks. The internal walls were also plastered and painted, but the colors of the interior were carefully preserved. The icons were restored and cleaned.
Another stage of restoration work was in 2004-2007.
Currently, the Assumption Cathedral (Helsinki) is the residence of the archbishop and the local Orthodox Church.
rules
Entrance to the temple is allowed for all comers for free, but there is no free access to the icons. Tourists can only walk along the walls, sit on chairs and admire the interior. You can also buy and put candles.
Photographing is also officially prohibited in the Assumption Cathedral, although, as some tourists claim, photographing does not interfere. But in order to avoid trouble, it is better to ask permission from the ministers.
The service is in Finnish.
State
In addition to the abbot, nine more priests, two deacons, and seven regents-psalmists serve in the church. One of the clergy conducts services in the Church Slavonic language for Russian-speaking Orthodox Christians. Another of them is working with children and youth.
How to find
Assumption Cathedral (Helsinki) has the following address: 1 Kanavakatu Street, FIN-00160 Helsinki. But it is quite possible to find it without knowing the exact address. Since it is clearly visible from many points of the historical part of the city.
If you go by public transport, it is better to use trams number 4 or 4T. Stop "Ritariuone" (Ritarihuone).
Opening hours
From Tuesday to Friday, the Assumption Cathedral is open from 9.30 to 16.00. On weekends from 10.00 to 15.00. On Mondays, the church is closed during the cold season, and this is from October 1 to April 30.
If you come to the Assumption Cathedral (Helsinki) on a festive or pre-holiday day, visit services only. The cathedral will close immediately after this.