The Cathedral of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul is one of the oldest architectural monuments in the city of Petropavl and an important spiritual center of the Orthodox Church. The history of the cathedral dates back to 1803, when the foundation of the first wooden church was laid. Later, the old building was demolished, and in 1813 the construction of a new stone church began. The church had three altars: the main one was dedicated to the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, the northern part was dedicated to Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, and the southern part was dedicated to the Feast of the Protection of the Holy Mother of God. The main stages of construction were completed between 1815 and 1821.
After the fire of 1838, the bell tower was severely damaged and later demolished. In its place, the construction of a new bell tower began in 1844 and was completed in 1848. The tower was connected to the church by a special stone passage.
During the period of Soviet rule, the cathedral was closed, and its property was confiscated. The building deteriorated, interior decorations were damaged, and iconostases and many sacred relics were destroyed. However, in 1946 the building was returned to the Orthodox community, and religious services resumed there from 1947. Thanks to the support of local residents, restoration work was carried out, and in 1952 the cathedral was fully restored.
In the 1990s, restoration works aimed at returning the cathedral’s historical appearance continued. In 1995, the installation of new bells began, with the largest one weighing 1,200 kilograms. In 1997, a special baptismal church dedicated to the Feast of the Holy Trinity was opened. During 2006–2011, major renovation works were carried out and the surrounding area was improved.
In 2012, the relics of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul were brought from Almaty, which further increased the spiritual significance of the cathedral.
Today, the Cathedral of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul is one of the main religious centers of Petropavl. Daily services are held there, and thousands of believers gather during religious holidays. With its more than two centuries of history and unique architectural features, the cathedral remains an important cultural heritage monument and an inseparable part of the city’s history.
Source: www.pbe.kz