Holy Protection Cathedral seeking funds to complete artwork

No wonder it’s taken 30 years to build the Holy Protection Cathedral. With gold-leaf domes, huge chandeliers and elaborate frescoes, it draws worshippers and visitors from across Melbourne. Take a look inside the architectural marvel.

The cathedral used real gold leaf on its iconic domes. Picture: Sarah Matray

A Russian cathedral in Brunswick East that laid its first stone 30 years ago is almost complete.

The Holy Protection Cathedral, abbreviated to Pokrov in Russian, was built on the site of a garbage tip alongside Merri Creek and first began construction in 1989.

It was built in Russian Yaroslavi style, a hallmark of the 17th century, and real gold leaf adorns its five domes.

The cathedral has become a curious attraction, and draws worshippers from across Melbourne.

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Worshippers take in a service in the cathedral. Picture: Sarah Matray

The Leader was provided with access to the church during a midweek service memorial service for the deceased, which included a reading of names of the dead, before the congregation visited a cemetery to pay its respects.

A stunning ceiling fresco. Picture: Sarah Matray

The external architecture is matched by vast frescoes inside the place of worship, which cover the walls and ceiling of all but one section of the internal hall.

Multiple chandeliers also hang inside, next to images of saints.

The church is fundraising to complete an empty section of the fresco. Picture: Sarah Matray

Father Nicholas Karipoff from the cathedral said the artwork represented the church’s calendar.

“They depict the great feasts of Christ that the church celebrates during the year, in chronological order. A sort-of visual annual clock,” he said.

The priest reads for the congregation as images of saints watch on. Picture: Sarah Matray

“The vaults and walls at the back of the church — facing you as you leave church — depict saints from countries all over the world.

“It’s a homage to the fact Christianity has spread all over the world, even reaching Australia, the most far-flung land from where Christianity historically began.”

The church is raising funds for New South Wales artist Tonia Ganin to complete the fresco.

Following that artwork and some minor additions to non-public areas, the cathedral will fnally be complete.