The cathedral, built between 1783 and 1785, had an oval shape, which gave it unity and resembled early Christian churches, including the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople. The interior decoration of the Spaso-Transfiguration Cathedral, with a colonnade supporting the upper choir, also enhanced this similarity. Later, the columns were replaced with consoles.

The Spaso-Transfiguration Cathedral had two altars: the upper one dedicated to the Transfiguration of the Lord and the lower one in memory of the resurrection of Lazarus. Platon explained that there is a mysterious connection between the resurrection and the transfiguration, which was reflected in the union of the two altars and in the unusual decoration of the cathedral.

The altar of the lower church, dedicated to the resurrection of Lazarus, was located in the sanctuary, the wall of which looked like an artificial cave, symbolizing the burial place of Lazarus. Above the cave rose Mount Tabor, adorned with moss, flowers, and figurines of animals, and at its summit was the altar of the upper church in honor of the Transfiguration of the Lord.

The unusual design of the cathedral helped the faithful to envision the connection between the two events of the New Testament. Emperor Paul I, after visiting the Trinity-Sergius Lavra and Bethany, soon signed a decree establishing a monastery in Bethany, which was granted lands and revenues. In the 19th century, the appearance of the cathedral changed due to extensions, and new bell towers, walls, and towers were added.

After the death of Metropolitan Platon, the skete became a small monastery associated with the Bethany Seminary. In the 1860s, a new cathedral was built with donations, which consecrated several altars. In 1893, a hotel was built, and in the early 20th century, the monastery owned lands and a brick factory.

In 1918, the monastery was transformed into an agricultural artel, and in 1925 it was closed. In 1998, the restoration of the Church of the Descent of the Holy Spirit began, and in 1999 the first liturgy was served. In the 2000s, construction work continued, and in 2007, the restoration of the Transfiguration Cathedral began. In 2011, the construction of the cathedral and bell tower was completed, and a large carved cross was installed in memory of the brotherhood and benefactors.