The decision to build the Assumption Cathedral in Nur-Sultan was taken in 2004. Two years after, the first stone was laid, and the foundation was consecrated. The first service in the cathedral took place on Easter in 2006. The bells of the cathedral were delivered in 2007, and they weigh around 20 tons overall. In 2009, the Metropolitan Methodius consecrated the five domes and crosses of the cathedral. One year later, the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, Kirill, consecrated the Assumption Cathedral of Nur-Sultan. In the cathedral's territory, one can find a hotel for pilgrims, a Sunday school, and the Astana Orthodox youth movement.
The Assumption Cathedral of Nur-Sultan is located in the old part of the city, and its full name is the Cathedral in honor of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The cathedral can welcome up to four thousand people and appears to be the largest in Central Asia. The area of the cathedral covers around two thousand square meters, whereas the height is 68 m. It consists of three chapels: the main one - built in honor of the Assumption of Virgin Mary, on the left side is the chapel that honors the Archangel Michael, and the one on the right side honors Saints Cyril and Methodius. The lower temple is made in honor of the new martyrs and confessors of Kazakhstan, whilst the upper and lower churches have two confessionals each. All the interior artwork was painted by artists from Palekh in Russia.
The cathedral is open every day from 8 am to 7 pm, and the services are performed every day. One can enjoy the interior artworks of the cathedral and the fresh air on the benches around. The morning service starts at 8.40 am, and the evening one begins at 5 pm, while on Sundays at 4 pm. On Sundays and holidays, the liturgy starts at 7 am and lasts until 9.20 am.
