The three-altar Holy Spirit Church of the city of Kherson was founded in 1804. It was built in 1809-1836. The Holy Spirit Church was considered the richest and most beautiful in the city. The iconostasis, kiosks, icons, and church utensils shone with gilding.
In godless times, the Holy Spirit Church suffered a misfortune: since 1922, all valuables were seized, everything was taken away and destroyed. From 1937 to 1944, no divine services were held in the church, and it was used as a flour storehouse.
It was only in 1947 that the Holy Spirit Church, which had previously been the parish church of the city, became the cathedral. Gradually, the temple began to revive. Thanks to the rector (1953-1960), Archpriest Boris Georgievich Stark. Through his tireless efforts, the Holy Spirit Cathedral was beautified.
By the decision of the Holy Synod of the UOC of February 11, 1991, as a result of the division of the Odessa diocese, the Kherson diocese was formed. Its first Ruling Bishop was Metropolitan Leonty (Gudimov), who is buried at the altar wall of the cathedral opposite the chapel of the Holy Martyrs of Kherson.
Through the efforts of the next governor of the Kherson diocese, Bishop (since 2000 – Metropolitan) Hilarion (Shukalo) (years of government – 1992-1997), the Transfiguration lower chapel of the Holy Spirit Cathedral was expanded, restored and consecrated on 08/12/96, and a new bell tower was built.
At the same time, restoration work began in the cathedral, which continued under the subsequent bishops of Kherson – Bishop Job (Smakouz) (1997 - 1999), Archbishop Jonathan (Yeletskikh) (1999 - 2006) and Archbishop John (Siopko) (2006 - present).
No temple in the Kherson region probably has such a collection of holy icons of artistic and museum value as this cathedral.
The main shrines of the Holy Spirit Cathedral of the city of Kherson are the miraculous Kaspersky icon of the Mother of God, revered in the South of Ukraine. In front of this icon, an akathist is served twice a month by the Kherson clergy.
The miraculous Image of the Savior above the Royal Gates, which is lowered annually on August 29 and the Week of the Triumph of Orthodoxy for the worship of believers; the Feodorovskaya icon of the Mother of God, in front of which a prayer service is served every Saturday.
The Pochaev icon of the Mother of God, which sailed to Kherson along the Dnieper.
The icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker of Lycia, renovated in the late 1990s.
Icons of St. John the Russian and the Holy Martyr Paraskeva of Rome with fragments of their relics, in front of which holy water prayers with special petitions are served every Friday.
Two reliquaries with the relics of the Venerable Kiev Caves and many other saints of God.
The relics of St. Barsonofy of Kherson, confessor, St. Eutropia of Kherson and Blessed Domnica of Alyoshkovsky.
The cathedral contains the relics of great miracle workers and holy fathers: Nicholas the Wonderworker, Martyr Vladimir of Kiev, John Chrysostom, Metropolitan Demetrius of Kiev.
Svyatodukhovsky Cathedral ( Imported Church, popularly), the central Orthodox church of Kherson. The church was built near the city's privoz market and from that it became known as the "privoznaya church".
It is currently the cathedral of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (MP).
The walls of the temple have seen a lot in their time and despite everything the survivor, its walls, icons and the atmosphere of the temple have a special healing spirit. A very fertile place. The bright, bright, free hall of the church gives the parishioner a comfortable feeling during divine services.
The Holy Spirit Cathedral is the center of Orthodox life in Kherson, through which all the miraculous icons that visit this city pass.
On the territory of the temple, you can buy icons, church literature and everything that is necessary for the needs of believers. There is a stall with baking bread and bakery products from the Annunciation Convent.
A good place, a wonderful temple, magnificent services with singing. They will not leave anyone indifferent.