The Russian Orthodox Cathedral of the Protection of the Most Holy Mother of God is located in 1 Albion St, Brunswick, an inner suburb of Melbourne. During the late 1970's and early 1980's clergy and parishioners of the Protection of the Mother of God Cathedral in Collingwood began seeking a new church site. The move was necessary as the site in Collingwood was not large enough to expand.
The decision to build rather than buy was made on the rationale that a church in Russian style is more aesthetically pleasing to those who will worship in it than a renovated church in the style of a western denomination. Three architects were invited to submit proposals for the plans for this new church (Vlad Chernov, Alex Kamenev and John Petrakis). John Petrakis secured the contract with a competitive estimate. He had a working relationship with Brunswick Municipal Council - which was another advantage.
John, who was later to become an honourary Russian dubbed Ivan Petrov, developed the design further and approached the Brunswick city council about a Planning Permit for a Church and a Community Centre. His diplomacy in dealing with the City Council, managing to appease them whilst not compromising design is a credit to him.
The foundation laying ceremony took place on the 5th November 1989. Within the stone some relics of Holy Martyr Grand Duchess Elizabeth were placed with a parchment within a sealed copper/brass cylinder. This is based on the ancient Christian practice of building churches above the graves of holy martyrs.
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So pretty and great photos with the reflections.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful cathedral and a gorgeous blue sky!
ReplyDeleteNice looking cathedral, stands out
ReplyDeleteWow. I did not even know that was there.
ReplyDeleteWow, that is remarkable! The colors are stunning, especially with the reflections.
ReplyDeleteThat does look rather splendid in front of the water.
ReplyDeleteIt is so beautiful. And thanks for the background information, Nick.
ReplyDeleteHoly Martyr Elizabeth Feodorovna would be happy to know some of her relics are in this new church in a far-off land. It reminds me a lot of the church on the Mt. of Olives where she is buried.
What a fabulous structure! I love the colors.
ReplyDeleteGreat looking building, you'd think this was in Russia
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