The Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral, under construction since 2011, was consecrated in Vladivostok on Saturday. The rite of minor consecration and the liturgy were led by Metropolitan Vladimir of Vladivostok, as reported by the press service of the Primorsky Diocese.

During the Divine Liturgy, His Eminence was assisted by Metropolitan Veniamin (Pushkar), Bishop Innokentiy of Ussuriysk, Vicar of the Vladivostok Diocese; Bishop Nikolay of Nakhodka and Preobrazhensk; Bishop Guriy of Arseniev and Dalnegorsk, along with numerous clergy of the diocese.

"In our cities, there are many Orthodox churches, each with its own ministry. However, cathedral churches have their own mission, which includes the constant service of the ruling hierarch - Metropolitan of Vladivostok and Primorye, and the establishment of a center for spiritual and educational life," cited TASS the words of Bishop Innokentiy, Vicar of the Vladivostok Diocese.

"Services in the cathedral will now be held daily - in the morning and evening, in accordance with the statutes of our church. The cathedral has come alive; before our eyes, it is truly becoming the spiritual center of the entire Primorye," said Metropolitan Vladimir of Vladivostok and Primorye.

According to the diocesan press service, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia is expected in Vladivostok in September. He will lead the Divine Liturgy in the cathedral.

The Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral is the largest church in Primorye, accommodating around three thousand parishioners. The idea of constructing a cathedral in Vladivostok was discussed as early as the beginning of the last century. However, it wasn't realized due to the lack of funds raised by the citizens, and then the Russo-Japanese War ensued. Subsequently, the revolution and the civil war followed. During his visit to Vladivostok in 2000, Patriarch Alexy II blessed the construction of the cathedral on the central square.