St. Nicholas Cathedral, Almaty

Saint Nicholas Cathedral holds a significant place in Almaty reflecting the spiritual and historical essence of the area. This Russian Orthodox cathedral, under the Astana and Almaty diocese, has a deep-rooted history dating back to the early 20th century. It all began in 1904 when residents of Verny's southwestern region requested Bishop Paisy of Turkestan and Tashkent for permission to construct a church. By 1906, plans were initiated by Andrey Zenkov, a key figure in the city's religious architecture. The cathedral, designed by architect S.K. Troparevsky, was consecrated on December 14, 1908, in honor of Saint Nicholas, with Father Alexander Skalsky as its first rector.

The cathedral's architecture is notable for its distinctive ship-shaped structure, adorned with seven azure domes, lofty vaults, and a prominent belfry, representing its spiritual aspirations and orthodox architectural legacy.

In the early 20th century, Saint Nicholas Cathedral faced challenges, including Bishop Pimen's execution in 1918, leaving the bishopric vacant until 1927. Bishop Aleksandr's arrest in 1936 led to the church's closure, repurposing it as an atheism museum, reflecting the era's socio-political climate. However, the mid-20th century saw revival. In 1945, the Holy Synod reinstated the bishopric, and by December 1946, Bishop Nikolai consecrated the main chapel, restoring the cathedral's status.

In 1995, the cathedral gained official recognition as a state-protected historical and cultural monument by the decision of the Akim of Almaty. This era also witnessed the transfer of the Kazakhstan diocese's cathedra to the Ascension Cathedral, marking a new phase in the region's religious history.

Saint Nicholas Cathedral has served as a hub for religious education, with the establishment of the first Sunday School in 1991 and a new building consecrated in 2010. Moreover, in 2012, a monument to Saint Nicholas was unveiled in front of the cathedral, honoring its patron saint and reaffirming its role as a stronghold of faith and tradition in Kazakhstan.