Ascension Cathedral, Almaty. Kazakhstan.

Panfilov park is not just about the death and destruction of war, lets have a look at a cathedral shall we?

From the golden domes to the riotous colour scheme the Ascension Cathedral was a joy to snap. There is something really architecturally special about these Soviet churches

It was constructed over a three year period in the early 1900's and was completed in 1907 after just three years.

Standing at 184 feet high the Cathedral is one of the tallest wooden constructions in the world. Constructed entirely from Tien-Shen spruce. A tree common across the region, growing straight and tall a perfect material for building and it is said constructed without the use of nails or other metal fastenings

In 1927, the Soviets banned attending religious events which led to the Cathedral being vandalised and looted.

Over the following 68 years, the building was put to a variety of uses from being an exhibition centre, concert hall, and then the home of the first Central Museum of Kazakhstan.

Extensive renovations took place in 1976, and the cathedral was returned to the Orthodox church in 1995.

From July 2017, to October 2020 the cathedral underwent large scale reconstruction. They may or may not have used nails!

The interior decoration was produced mainly in arty farty, workshops in Kyiv and moscow. It is both colourful and complex, the orthodox Church certainly plays heavily on its iconography.

I am told that the main icon in the Orthodox faith is always Mary holding Jesus. She is important in their faith because apparently she points us toward JC. She also said at a marriage feast,

"Whatsoever he says unto you, do it."

So mrs. that is your excuse for committing adultery and cuckolding Joseph then? So much for the 7th commandment.

Religion, don't ya just love it.

Amazing art, don't ya just love it.

When entering an Orthodox church it is a custom to light a candle and offer a prayer for one's personal needs or that of a family member or friend.

"dear god, please tell the Deliveroo man to hurry up next time I order a Maccees, I do not enjoy cold soggy fries, thank you"

I am sure he would rather be outside with his mates

"Feed the birds tuppence a bag, tuppence, tuppence, tuppence a bag"

If you know you know

I name these rats with tails pigeons, Salmonellosis, Psittacosis, Histoplasmosis, and Cryptococcosis.

May your god go with you