9 . H O L Y
C R O S S
C A T H E D R A L
RUE RODOLPHE-TOEPFFER 9
Holy Cross Cathedral in Geneva is a cosy small
Orthodox church in the centre of Europe - a unique
opportunity for the Russians to return home for a
while , pray and receive blessings from the priest .
The history of the Orthodox Church in Switzerland
began in the 19th century , when Holy Cross
Cathedral appeared in Bern , which “ moved ” in due
time from the ambassador ’ s residence to the
Reichenbach castle , and later completely removed
to Frankfurt am Main . In 1854 , the church reopens
its doors , but again in a rented building — this time
Villa Zharglnan becomes a haven . Orthodox
traditions have lived here for ten years until the
lease agreement came to an end . And then the
parties dispersed in terms of capital repairs of the
building : the landlord was not ready to do it at his
own expense and offered to either increase the cost
of rent , or Russia to sponsor the work .
In 1862 , the problem of the dispensation of the
church moved off dead centre : the Geneva canton
gave the Russian mission a piece of land free of
charge , promising that this gift would belong to it
while the Russian church was on it . The place is
allocated suitable : one of the highest hills in the
city .
The construction work was carried out according to
the project of the famous architect , who is
considered one of the founders of the “ Russian
style ” - David Ivanovich Grimm . The construction
lasted three years ( and cost 280 thousand francs ),
completed in 1866 . The consecration of the temple
took place on the feast day - the day of the
Exaltation of the Holy and Life - giving Cross of the
Lord .