The first stage of restoration work on the Cathedral of the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God in Olonets is nearing completion. The building, which was reconstructed during the Soviet period and long used for purposes other than its intended function, is set to regain its historical appearance.

The church is located on Mariam Island in the center of the city, at the confluence of the Olonka and Megregi rivers. According to historical records, religious structures have existed here since the 16th century. The Cathedral of the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God was built in 1828 on the site of the old Smolensk Cathedral, thanks to funds allocated by Emperor Alexander I after his visit to Olonets.

The church building was made of brick and plastered, designed in the classical style of church architecture. It consisted of four parts: a forty-meter three-tiered bell tower, a refectory, the main church area, and the altar. The five-domed church became the main architectural dominant of Olonets, with its gilded domes and bell tower visible from afar. Engravings and photographs have survived, showing what the church looked like in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It stood in this form until the 1930s, but time and historical events took their toll on it.

During the years of persecution against the church, the domes were demolished, and the bell tower was blown up. In its place, a wooden extension with a gable roof appeared. For a long time, the building was used for purposes other than its intended function: first as a club, then as a local history museum, which led to significant changes in its architectural appearance.

In 1992, the building was returned to the Petrozavodsk and Karelia Diocese, but restoration was required for its use, which began in 1998 based on a project developed by LLC 'LAD'. During this time, the lost parts of the church, drums and domes, window and door fillings were restored, roofing work was carried out, and facade finishing was completed. Funding for the work came from various sources: 3.5 million rubles from the federal budget, 8.5 million rubles from the republican budget, as well as off-budget funds attracted by the Smolensk Cathedral parish.

As part of the celebration of the 360th anniversary of Olonets, the first stage of restoration work is planned to be completed this year: finishing work on the church area and refectory, creating a new entrance, repairing electrical networks, installing heated floors, and carrying out finishing work. The work is being conducted by LLC 'Neosystem Engineering'.

On September 26, 2009, a festive prayer service was held for the first time in the restored refectory after a long break. From this moment on, services will be held regularly here, and by the end of the year, after the completion of the work, all areas of the church will begin to be used for their intended purpose. The resumption of the church's activities will be an important event for the Orthodox residents of Olonets and for the development of the Petrozavodsk and Karelia Diocese, as well as preserving this valuable architectural monument.