Cathedral of the Holy Entrance of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Cathedral of the Entrance of the Blessed Virgin Mary is the main Orthodox church in Karaganda and one of the largest cathedrals in Kazakhstan. The site was consecrated, and the foundation stone laid in 1991. Four years later, the first service was held in the cathedral, and by 2000, it was fully consecrated. Architecturally, the cathedral is distinguished by its unusual base, designed to evoke the shape of Noah’s Ark, an inventive concept that earned the architect first prize in a church design competition.

Inside, the cathedral’s design is marked by a magnificent three-tiered wooden iconostasis, meticulously crafted over nearly four years by local woodcarvers. One of the church’s treasured relics is the holy remains of Saint Sebastian of Karaganda.

Integral to the cathedral’s mission is the compassionate work of the “Mercy” group, which offers support to the lonely, disabled, and those facing difficult circumstances. Volunteers extend their care to hospices, orphanages, nursing homes, and hospitals. The cathedral also hosts a Sunday school that serves as an important foundation for the local community.

Since 2013, the cathedral has housed an icon-painting workshop, where students are trained in various techniques from different iconographic schools, gaining invaluable skills in the art of iconography. To date, 38 students have graduated, many of whom honed their skills creating the iconostasis for the Elevation of the Holy Cross Church in Maikuduk.

The cathedral’s foundation is designed to resemble Noah’s Ark. The building’s domes, windows, staircases, annexes, and service rooms give it the whimsical appearance of a fairy-tale tower. The main structure is built of brick, while the monolithic dome is constructed from lightweight, durable expanded clay concrete.

The cathedral complex includes the main hall, a baptistery, administrative rooms, storage facilities, a Sunday school, and several residential cells for clergy. Custom-designed specifically for this site, the structure spans over 15 meters in length, with a height of 16 meters. Initially, the project called for four support pillars within the main hall, which would have significantly altered its spaciousness. However, after careful consideration and consultations, the decision was made to omit these supports, preserving the cathedral’s open and harmonious interior.

The Holy Entrance Cathedral in Karaganda is a three-altar cathedral, accommodating around 1,200 people. The iconostasis boasts three tiers of carved wood, and the walls feature niches adorned with icons. The main altar is dedicated to the Entrance of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The north altar honors Saints Cosmas and Damian, while the south altar is dedicated to Saint Sebastian of Karaganda, whose relics are kept in a reliquary in the southern sanctuary.