Cathedral of the Theotokos

Under the initiative of Maria of Vitebsk, wife of Grand Duke Algirdas, the cathedral of the Theotokos was built in the middle of the 14th century. In 1415, this Orthodox church became the main temple for all Orthodox Christians in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.

At the beginning of the 16th century, a huge disaster struck the church – the dome of the cathedral collapsed, severely damaging the building. Grand Hetman of Lithuania Konstanty Ostrogski (1460-1530) took a lead in reconstructing the main Orthodox temple. Under his initiative, the Cathedral of the Theotokos was rebuilt in 1522.

This cathedral is closely connected with Helena, the daughter of Ivan III. In 1495 Grand Duke Alexander Jagiellon married Helena here Simbollicaly, in 1513, this cathedral became a place of Helena’s eternal rest.

Learn more about the abduction of Helena by clicking this link.