京都宣教教会

The Annunciation Cathedral in Kyoto is a place of quiet beauty, almost hidden away in a residential area just a short distance from the Imperial Palace. It stands as a testament to the perseverance of the Orthodox Church in Japan, a story of faith and resilience. This cathedral, built in 1903, was designed by architect Matsumuro Shigemitsu, who chose to give it a distinct Byzantine style. It’s one of the oldest surviving Byzantine Churches in all of Japan. The cathedral was initially built with materials imported from Russia, including an elaborate iconostasis. These Russian-made icons were brought with hopes of strengthening the Russian Orthodox Church in Japan. During World War II, when most cities in Japan were heavily bombarded, Kyoto was spared. This saved the Annunciation Cathedral from destruction and helped it maintain a continuity of faith. The cathedral has been given the title of cultural property by the Kyoto Metropolitan Administration, which is a further recognition of its significance. Today, the Annunciation Cathedral welcomes not only the local Japanese community but also attracts Russian visitors and many foreigners from other Orthodox countries who come to Kyoto. It plays a crucial role in preserving Orthodox traditions within a predominantly Buddhist community. In 2015, the cathedral celebrated its 112th anniversary with a special Divine Liturgy service.