On May 18, 2025, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and all Rus' consecrated the newly restored Annunciation Cathedral in Votkinsk, Udmurtia, marking the completion of its restoration. The event also featured a special ceremony honoring those who contributed significantly to the church’s revival, with Udmurtia's Governor Alexander Brechalov receiving the Order of the Russian Orthodox Church.

The award was presented to Brechalov immediately following the Divine Liturgy in the newly consecrated church. Patriarch Kirill recognized Brechalov’s efforts in supporting the cathedral's restoration and his role as one of the key benefactors of the project. The Governor was awarded the Order of Saint Daniel of Moscow, second class, in recognition of his contribution to preserving the spiritual heritage of Udmurtia.

In his address to the congregation, Patriarch Kirill emphasized the importance of spiritual work in today’s society, highlighting that “the spirit is primary,” and a person’s behavior in both personal and social life is influenced by their spiritual state. He further stressed that material well-being cannot be sustained without a solid spiritual foundation.

“Human spiritual condition, faith, and the inner drive for goodness and justice are the foundation of everything. If a person lives according to high spiritual ideals, their actions and life will be good and right,” the Patriarch explained.

The Patriarch also underscored the significance of preserving spiritual traditions, which he described as vital to national identity. During his visit to Udmurtia, he praised the region’s contribution to strengthening the defense capabilities of the country, emphasizing that a nation’s strength begins with its spirit and faith in God. He concluded by stating that this faith leads to a desire for virtuous deeds and a rejection of sin and evil, which are essential for building a strong society.

The Annunciation Cathedral in Votkinsk, originally founded in 1816 by priest Vasily Blinov, has a long and storied history. The cathedral was constructed in the Russian Classicism style by architect Alexander Postnikov, with the involvement of factory workers who donated a portion of their wages for its construction. The cathedral was consecrated in 1819, and its bell tower was completed in 1839 by architect Vasily Petenkin.

The cathedral is also closely linked to the great composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, who was born in the town of Votkinsk. The cathedral was the site of Tchaikovsky’s baptism and the baptism of his brothers.

In the early 20th century, the church became embroiled in the turmoil of the Russian Revolution. In 1918, following the capture of Votkinsk by workers, the cathedral was briefly under their control. The clergy continued to support the workers, but in 1919, the cathedral was closed, and in 1929, it was repurposed as a workers’ club.

After being returned to the Russian Orthodox Church in 2001, restoration efforts began. The church's historical appearance was fully restored in 2015, and a second phase of restoration, supported by local benefactors and the Votkinsk factory leadership, began in 2021. The first Divine Liturgy in the restored cathedral took place on Christmas Day 2024.