Description of the attraction
The Catholic Cathedral of God the Merciful Father is the only Catholic church in Zaporozhye. It belongs to the Kharkov-Zaporozhye diocese. In Zaporozhye, or as it was then called - Aleksandrovka, there was a Roman Catholic parish before the revolution. However, in the 30s of the 19th century, the Catholic church was closed, and a little later, completely destroyed. A factory was built in its place.
The new history of the Catholic parish began at the very end of the 1990s. In 1999, work began on the construction of a new church in Zaporozhye. A cornerstone was laid in one of its walls, which was taken in Rome from the foundation of the Basilica of St. Peter the Apostle. In August 2004, a celebration was held to consecrate the temple of God the Merciful Father (in Eastern Europe there is only one temple with this name).
The building of the temple itself is rectangular, from the inside it is divided by rows of columns and pillars into three naves. Overhead windows provide lighting. There is an apse niche in the altar part. The interior of the temple is austere, in a classical style.
Today, in the Catholic Cathedral of God the Merciful Father, the catechesis of youth, children and adults is carried out by the priests - the ministers of the temple, sisters-nuns, as well as simply active parishioners. Quite often the ministers of the temple hold youth meetings. The church has a parish library and a Sunday school. And also today the medical office and the parish movement “Legion of Mary” are constantly operating. A canteen for the homeless was organized by the Monastic Brothers of the Order of Saint Brother Albert. In summer, diocesan meetings with young people are often held and pilgrimages along the Melitopol-Zaporozhye route are organized.
The temple is one of the main architectural landmarks of Zaporozhye.
