Assumption Cathedral, Helsinki: services

The Assumption Cathedral of Helsinki (Uspenskin katedraali) is the largest Orthodox church in Northern and Western Europe.

Where is

Katajanokka ) It is located on the island of Katajanokka ( Katajanokka ) In the historical center of the capital of Finland. Earlier it was a peninsula, but now it is separated from the city by the Katayonokk canal. You can get there by bridges built in several places.

The Uspensky cathedral was located on the dais, and the surroundings of Helsinki are therefore visible from the palms. Bypassing it, you can enjoy beautiful views from all sides. A hill, or, as often said, a rock, at its base can serve as a viewing platform.

Architecture

The Assumption Cathedral (Helsinki) attracts many tourists not only with a favorable location, but in size, and the beauty of architecture, and with its color.

The cathedral is built of red brick. Another material to use was imprudent, because it was built on a hill and strong winds blowing from the sea would quickly destroy the plaster.

From a distance red walls and shining in the sun gold and emerald green domes stand out - this is the Assumption Cathedral. Helsinki is rightfully proud of this temple.

In the southern part of the building there is a bell tower, which is connected to the main building by a gallery. There is also a semicircular altar part. The height of the bell tower is 51 meters.

The cathedral is thirteen-headed, which symbolizes Jesus and his 12 apostles. Another dome is decorated with a bell tower. External walls with their protrusions, reliefs, depressions create a beautiful brick pattern. On the wall at the entrance is a cast-iron board with a brief historical reference for numerous tourists.

Looking at the Assumption Cathedral (Helsinki), you want to photograph a lot, from all sides, from different angles. Exactly the same feelings arise directly at the walls, only now they conquer the views of the city.

What is inside

The central dome is supported by four skilfully polished granite columns. He symbolizes the firmament. The dove hovers in the sky - the Holy Spirit.

Under the upper row of windows are portraits of the Moscow Saints, on the arches - Biblical utterances. The two-tiered iconostasis is decorated with gilded carvings, and the icons themselves are written in academic style on a golden 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 for years in the temple were covered with legends.

Among the most venerated icons are the Virgin of Kozelshchanskaya, which was stolen from the cathedral in 2010, along with numerous jewels brought as gifts for the help of the worshipers. At that time, a flood of Romanian refugees flooded the country, which was often stolen. 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 pit under the snow. The restoration was carried out by the specialists of the Valaam Monastery.

But the icon of Nicholas the Wonderworker, kidnapped in 2007, never returned to the temple.

Building

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 Tsar to build a new church for a rapidly growing number of Orthodox, through Governor-General of Finland Feodor Berg.

II решил, что церковь нужно построить на высоком месте, чтобы она не отличалась по высоте от Лютеранского кафедрального собора. 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 in Finland, the two main official religions: Lutheranism and Orthodoxy. In the center, everything was built up, and the Assumption Cathedral (Helsinki) began to erect on the peninsula Katajanokka on top of a cliff. In those years huts of the poorest city dwelt here, it was dirty and untidy. But when the temple was erected, local rich men were forced to go there. Gradually, the country began to put in order, build new modern buildings there, and as a result it became one of the prosperous areas of Helsinki, which is to this day.

Money for construction was collected by the whole world. More than 200 thousand rubles was spent on the erection of the temple. The funds were allocated by the Synod, Emperor Alexander II and members of the royal family, the merchant guild, the Chapter of the Orders.

Bricks for construction were delivered from the Aland Islands, where during the Crimean War the Bomarsund Fortress was destroyed.

The temple utensils were given by the local population - parishioners of the church.

The project of the Assumption Cathedral belonged to the academician of architecture Alexei Maksimovich Gornostayev, who arrived in Helsinki to supervise the construction. The project is based on a 16th-century temple project in Kolomenskoye. Александрович Варнек, который, внеся в проект минимум изменений, а именно, заменив звонницу на колокольню, и довел строительство собора до конца. Unfortunately, poor health led to the rapid death of the architect, and Ivan Alexandrovich Varnek, who completed the construction of the temple in Sveaborg, was summoned to his place, which, making the minimum changes to the project, namely, replacing the belfry at the bell tower, and brought the cathedral to completion.

The Assumption Cathedral (Helsinki) was consecrated in October 1868 by Bishop Paul of Vyborg.

Restoring the Temple

By the centenary of the cathedral, major repairs were made. The cracks in the walls were sealed, the domes and towers were restored. Updated gilding. The window frames were replaced with bronze window blocks. Plastered and painted and internal walls, but the colors of the interior were carefully preserved. Icons were restored and cleaned.

Another stage of restoration and restoration work fell on 2004-2007.

At present, the Assumption Cathedral (Helsinki) is the residence of the archbishop and the local Orthodox Church.

rules

The entrance to the temple is allowed for all comers free of charge, but there is no free access to the icons. Tourists can only pass along the walls, sit on the chairs and admire the interior. You can also buy and put candles.

Officially banned in the Assumption Cathedral and photography, although, as some tourists say, do not interfere with photography. 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 priests, two deacons and seven regents of psalmists serve in the church. One of the priests serves in the Church Slavonic language for Russian-speaking Orthodox. Another of them is working with children and young people.

How to find

The Assumption Cathedral (Helsinki) address has the following: Kanavakatu street, 1, FIN-00160 Helsinki. But it is quite possible to find it without knowing the exact address. Since it is well 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 in the cold season the temple is closed, and this is from October 1 to April 30.

If you come on a festive or pre-holiday day to the Assumption Cathedral (Helsinki), visit divine services only. The cathedral will immediately close after that.