Iversk-Seraphim Women’s Monastery

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Iversk-Seraphim Women's Monastery

Another remarkable religious site in Almaty is the Iversk-Seraphim Women’s Monastery. Nestled in the old part of the city, just a stone’s throw from the central park, the Green Bazaar, and the main city mosque, this active monastery offers a serene refuge from the bustling urban life. Its central location does not detract from its tranquility; rather, it enhances its charm. The monastery boasts a sprawling layout, featuring the stunning Sofia Cathedral at its heart.

One of the highlights of your visit should be the exquisite frescoes that adorn the walls of the Sofia Cathedral. Skilled Palekh artists dedicated nearly six months to creating this wall masterpiece. The vibrant red hues throughout symbolize martyrdom, reflecting the cathedral’s dedication to the holy martyrs for Christ, while the gold accents represent the radiance of heavenly glory and eternity. Among the depictions of God’s saints are the newly canonized martyrs and confessors who have shone brightly in Kazakhstan.

The monastery grounds are equally enchanting, adorned with colorful flowerbeds, intriguing sculptures, and charming fountains. This sacred place is truly picturesque and well worth your time.

Originally a Cossack church, the Sofia Cathedral (consecrated in honor of the holy martyrs Faith, Hope, Love, and their mother, Sofia) is the oldest temple in the city of Verny (now Almaty). Constructed in 1895 by architect Brusentsov, it replaced an earlier cathedral that was built in 1871 and destroyed by an earthquake in 1887. This earlier church, in turn, had been established on the site of a prayer house built in 1855.

During the Soviet era, the cathedral was repurposed as the club for the Red Partisans, then transformed into a cinema called Udarniy, and later housed a puppet theater. By the late 1980s, the building had fallen into disrepair.

To prevent its complete destruction, the Kazakh SSR’s Ministry of Culture had to appoint a caretaker to preserve the building until restoration could begin, as it was listed as a protected cultural and architectural monument. However, due to the political and economic turmoil of the 1990s, restoration efforts stalled, and the building was removed from the registry of monuments, leading to the elimination of the caretaker position.

In 1989, the diocese attempted to reclaim the Sofia Cathedral for the Church, a matter that was even discussed in local media. Tragically, before any action could be taken, the structure was engulfed in flames.

In 2003, Metropolitan Mephodiy made the decision to resurrect the Sofia Cathedral. Two years after its reconstruction, a women’s monastery was established. In spring 2006, the newly cast bells for the cathedral were consecrated, collectively weighing over three tons. The largest bell, weighing 1,600 kilograms, holds the title of the biggest bell in Kazakhstan.

In September 2007, Metropolitan Mephodiy, alongside the clergy of Almaty and a large gathering of pilgrims, consecrated the restored cathedral. The rebuilt cathedral is an exact replica of the original, with the sole difference being its construction from modern seismic-resistant materials instead of wood.

Additionally, the temple complex includes a church dedicated to Saint Matrona of Moscow. Currently, 25 nuns reside in the monastery, seven of whom are schemamonks—monks who have chosen complete withdrawal from worldly life. Typically, schemamonks live separately from other monks and focus solely on prayer, engaging in no other duties. In today’s world, the great schema is a rare phenomenon; it is usually conferred upon elderly or seriously ill monks who are unable to perform regular monastic tasks.

Address: 30 Latif Khakimidi Street, Medeu District, Almaty
Phone: +7 727 397 41 05

Almaty city

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