The construction of the Cathedral of the Assumption in Kazakhstan’s capital began in 1998 when Archbishop Alexy submitted a request for a new church to the city’s leadership. With the support of President Nursultan Nazarbayev, a plot of land was allocated for the building. In 2004, the architectural project for the cathedral was completed.
The cornerstone was laid, and the foundation was blessed in 2006, marking the start of construction. That same year, the first Easter service was held. President Nazarbayev personally supported the construction of the Assumption Orthodox Cathedral.
In 2007, new bells were delivered for the bell tower. By the spring of 2009, exterior cladding began, and doors and windows were installed. Later that year, Metropolitan Methodius consecrated the cathedral’s domes and crosses, during a ceremony attended by Russian ambassador V. N. Bocharikov and the city’s mayor, Imangali Tasmagambetov. In 2010, Moscow Patriarch Kirill visited Astana to officially consecrate the Assumption Cathedral.
In the summer of 2011, plans were made to establish a spiritual and cultural center alongside the cathedral. This complex includes a Sunday school, a guesthouse for pilgrims, and a building for the Orthodox Youth Department of Astana, among other facilities.
The interior space of the cathedral covers more than 2,000 square meters, with its height reaching 68 meters. The church can accommodate nearly 4,000 worshipers at once, making it the largest in Central Asia. The interior was adorned by Palekh artists from Russia, and the cathedral houses many holy relics and valuable icons.
Moscow Patriarch Kirill has visited the cathedral twice. The site also offers a Sunday school, an icon shop, and regular educational talks. The cathedral’s doors are open daily to all visitors.