On July 21, Patriarch Kirill visited the Tver Metropolis and consecrated the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral. The Patriarch was welcomed by Governor of the Tver Region Igor Rudenya, Metropolitan Amvrosy of Tver and Kashin, cadets from the Military Academy of Aerospace Defense, and students from the Suvorov Military School.

Patriarch Kirill proceeded into the cathedral, where he venerated the relics of St. Michael of Tver. He then performed the rite of great consecration of the newly restored cathedral and conducted the Divine Liturgy.

During the Liturgy, Archimandrite Savva (Lesnykh) was consecrated as the Bishop of Armavir and Labinsk. The Holy Synod had appointed Archimandrite Savva as the ruling bishop of the Armavir Diocese (Kuban Metropolis) on May 30, 2024.

In his address, Patriarch Kirill emphasized the historical significance of the day for Tver, highlighting the city's role in Russian history and its contemporary importance in strengthening the country's economy and defense capabilities. He noted that the cathedral's restoration symbolizes the spiritual strength of the Tver people.

The Patriarch stressed the importance of building churches as an expression of spiritual enthusiasm and commitment. He reminded the faithful that constructing a church involves not only effort but also the commitment to attend services and strengthen the community's spirit. He urged those who participated in the cathedral's construction to continue attending church and seeking spiritual growth.

Patriarch Kirill concluded by highlighting that the construction of new churches addresses people's need for spiritual life and communion with God, and it plays a crucial role in strengthening the Orthodox community and the spiritual revival of the country.

The Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral in Tver was founded in 1285 by St. Michael Yaroslavich. In 1290, the cathedral was consecrated, becoming the first stone church in northeastern Russia after the Mongol invasion. It became a traditional site for the weddings of Tver rulers and the burial place of princes, princesses, and archbishops. The cathedral underwent numerous restorations and reconstructions over the centuries. After the revolution, the church fell into the hands of the renovationists in 1932, and it was subsequently closed. On the night of April 3-4, 1935, the cathedral was demolished, and the cathedral square was turned into a park featuring the "Lenin and Stalin in Gorki" composition and renamed Revolution Square.

In 1992, archaeological excavations were conducted to determine the condition of the cathedral's remains. In 1999, a memorial cross was erected on the site of the former altar, followed by a memorial stone in 2002. In 2003, the charity fund "Cathedral" was registered. A chapel in honor of All Tver Saints was built in 2007-2008, and the square's historical name was restored in 2010. Extensive excavations by the Institute of Archaeology of the Russian Academy of Sciences took place from 2012 to 2014, leading to the cathedral's reconstruction.

Photo by Konstantin Pizhurnin / patriarchia.ru