St. Volodymyr’s Cathedral, or Володимирський собор in Ukrainian, stands as a majestic testament to Kyiv’s rich history and cultural heritage. Nestled in the heart of the city, this cathedral is not only a major landmark but also holds profound significance as the former mother cathedral of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church – Kyiv Patriarchate.

The inception of St. Volodymyr’s Cathedral dates back to 1852 when Metropolitan Philaret of Moscow proposed the idea of constructing a grand cathedral to commemorate the 900th anniversary of the baptism of Kyivan Rus’ by Prince Volodymyr the Great. The initiative garnered immense support from people across the Russian Empire, resulting in a substantial fund of 100,000 rubles by 1859. The Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, a renowned monastery, contributed significantly by providing one million bricks for the construction.

The architectural vision, initially conceived by architects such as I. Schtrom, P. Sparro, R. Bemhardt, K. Mayevsky, and V. Nikolayev, culminated in the neo-Byzantine design we see today. The final touch came from Alexander Vikentievich Beretti, resulting in a traditional six-piered, three-apsed temple crowned by seven cupolas, with the main dome soaring to a height of 49 meters (161 feet).

Venturing inside, visitors are greeted by a vibrant and captivating interior. Mosaics, crafted by skilled artisans from Venice, adorn the cathedral. The frescoes, overseen by Professor Adrian Prakhov, feature works by renowned painters like Wilhelm Kotarbiński, Mikhail Nesterov, Mykola Pymonenko, and others. Notable is Vasnetsov’s painting of the Holy Mother of God in the altar apse, radiating austere beauty.

As one enters through the adorned entrance door, relief bronze sculptures of Olha of Kyiv and St. Volodymyr stand against a blue backdrop, masterfully sculpted by Robert Bakh and H. Zaieman, respectively. The intricate iconostasis, carved from white marble imported from Carrara, adds to the cathedral’s grandeur. Although completed in 1882, the paintings were finalized in 1896.

St. Volodymyr’s Cathedral weathered turbulent times, facing the threat of damage during the Polish–Soviet War in 1920. The Soviet era saw its conversion into a museum of religion and atheism, narrowly escaping demolition. Post-World War II, it resumed its role as a working Orthodox Church, playing a pivotal role in the revival of Orthodox religion in 1988.

Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, ownership of the cathedral became a contentious issue between denominations claiming representation in Ukrainian Orthodox Christianity. Eventually, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church – Kyiv Patriarchate gained control, and today, spiritual leaders conduct services in Ukrainian, accompanied by the cathedral choir, often joined by opera singers, adding a melodic touch to the religious festivities.

St. Volodymyr’s Cathedral remains not only a symbol of faith but a living testament to Ukraine’s resilience and cultural vibrancy, inviting visitors to explore its rich history and intricate architecture.