The Dormition: a feast written into Russia’s architecture Some dates belong not only to the religious calendar. Over time, they become part of a country’s culture — its architecture, painting, urban history and collective memory. On 28 August, Orthodox Christians celebrate the Dormition of the Mother of God. But why do Dormition Cathedrals hold such a special place in Russian architecture? In medieval Rus’, churches dedicated to the Dormition often became the principal cathedrals of major cities. One of the most famous examples is the Dormition Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin, built in the 15th century by the architect Aristotle Fioravanti. And it was far more than simply a place of worship. For centuries, the cathedral stood at the heart of Russian history. It hosted coronations, enthronements of metropolitans and patriarchs, and some of the most important state and ceremonial events. In this way, religious tradition became part of the architectural image of the country, while architecture itself became a witness to history. Dormition Cathedrals can be found in Vladimir, Moscow, Yaroslavl, Smolensk and many other historic Russian cities. Behind this familiar name lies an entire layer of history, art and cultural memory. Their interiors also preserve the world of ancient Russian art — frescoes, iconostases, historic icons and works by outstanding masters. Sometimes, the history of a country is not only read in books, it is enough simply to look carefully at its churches and cathedrals.