In the late 1980s, a decision was made to build a new, large church, which turned out to be a challenging task during a difficult political and economic time. It was planned to erect a huge cathedral capable of accommodating all the believers. Many enterprises, organizations, and private individuals participated in the construction. On May 8, 1991, Bishop Anastasius of Kazan and Mari El consecrated the laying of the future cathedral in Volzhsk. The church was completed in 1993, and on April 24, 1994, it was consecrated by Bishop John of Yoshkar-Ola and Mari El.

Saint Nicholas, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, became the heavenly patron of Volzhsk, located at the intersection of major land and water routes. His prayerful assistance was evident even during the construction phase. A joint Soviet-Italian enterprise operated in the city, and the Italians, Catholics who venerate Saint Nicholas, donated a significant sum of ten thousand dollars for the construction of the Orthodox church. A group of Volzhsk priests also visited the city of Bari, where the relics of the saint are honored. The Italian side gifted the Orthodox residents of Volzhsk a relic, myrrh from the saint's tomb, which can be venerated in the cathedral. The church was built according to the design of architect A.A. Veyukov and reflects the traditional forms of church architecture of the 18th century. The bell tower with four tiers is harmoniously integrated into the refectory part of the church. Two square bases support two octagonal structures: the first contains the main tier of bells, while the second is topped with a faceted dome. A similar dome crowns the main cube of the church. The decorative design of the facade, with white brick pilasters on a red background, creates an impression of restrained elegance.

In the basement of the cathedral, there is an altar in honor of St. Seraphim of Sarov, where services are held on major holidays and on the saint's memorial days, January 15 and August 1. The church has separate rooms for baptisms and funerals.

In addition to the majestic cathedral building, the church grounds include a spacious refectory with cells for temporary accommodation, a Sunday school, and a small water blessing chapel in honor of the icon of the Mother of God "The Sovereign."

The parish life of the church develops in several directions. The majestic services and the beauty of the interior attract many people who are not yet familiar with church life. Therefore, it is important to explain the basics of the Orthodox faith to all who wish to learn. For this purpose, there is an adult Sunday school. There is also a children's Sunday school with several classes. The classes are conducted by the rector, a graduate of the Moscow Theological Academy, Priest Vitaly Mikheev, and the church choir director Lyubov Mikheeva. The children's choir of the church is considered one of the best in the republic. The cathedral also trains Orthodox educators. Courses are held at the church to familiarize teachers with Christian pedagogy, enabling them to teach "Foundations of Orthodox Culture" in the future.

St. Nicholas Cathedral is one of the major spiritual centers of the republic. It is a significant church with a relatively recent history and a large congregation, where the second generation of believers is being introduced to the Orthodox faith.

We present to your attention a photo gallery "St. Nicholas Cathedral: History and Life."