Resurrection of Christ Cathedral

The main Orthodox church in Narva is the Resurrection of Christ Cathedral. It was built in 1890-1896 according to a design by the architect Pavel Alish from St. Petersburg. The foundation of the Church was timed to coincide with the meeting of the two emperors in Narva: Alexander III of Russia and Wilhelm II of Germany.

History of the Resurrection of Christ Cathedral

Historical documents refer to the first statements about the necessity to build an Orthodox cathedral in Narva in 1872. However before the realization of the idea almost twenty years passed. For the construction of a new church, the honorary citizen of the city Ivan Prove was allocated a land in the Joachimsthal district (which did not survive up to now), which he bought specially for this purpose. The construction of the cathedral, which cost 500000 rubles, was financed by Kreenholm Manufacture.

It is worth noting that the first stone in the foundation of the temple personally laid the Russian Emperor Alexander III. The opening ceremony was attended by many officials, including members of the royal family: Empress Maria Feodorovna, Grand Duchess Xenia Alexandrovna, Grand Duke Sergei Alexandrovich and his wife Elizaveta Feodorovna, Grand Dukes Nicholas and Alexander Mikhailovich. The solemn consecration of the cathedral took place on November 17, 1896.

Architecture of the Narva Resurrection Cathedral

The building of Narva Resurrection Cathedral has the shape of the Greek cross in a plan which corresponds to the Byzantine cultural tradition. The big central dome dominates the plastics of the building creating a spacious stately interior and is a unique element for the architectural look of the city. Of particular value is the 100-year-old, carved gilt iconostasis in the cathedral, created by the master Astafiev, whose icons were painted in the workshop of Mikhail Dikarev.

Photos of the temple

Location

Today’s Day of the Church

It is noteworthy that during the Second World War, the Narva Cathedral was practically undamaged and it was possible to resume divine services here already in 1945. Today the church is the center of the Orthodox life of Narva and the number of its parishioners is 3000. There is a library with over 5000 books in the church. There are also Sunday schools for both children and adults.

Interesting Facts

• To learn more about the history of Orthodoxy in Estonia, it is worthwhile to visit the Pühtitsa Convent.
• Estonia’s main Orthodox Church is located in Tallinn – Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
• Tallinn Kazan Church is considered the oldest wooden building in Tallinn.