All Saints Russian Orthodox Church
On the banks of the Marne-Rhine canal, in the Conseil des XV district near the European institutions, All Saints is a Russian Orthodox church with gilded onion domes. Begun in 2014 and consecrated in 2019 by Patriarch Kirill of Moscow, it adds an unexpected silhouette to Strasbourg's skyline, best discovered on a stroll through the European quarter.
A Russian parish gets its church
The Russian Orthodox parish of All Saints was founded on 22 June 2003 and belongs to the Moscow Patriarchate, which granted it patriarchal status in 2004. For over a decade it had no building of its own on the right scale. The foundation stone was laid on 30 September 2014 on a plot beside the Marne-Rhine canal. The church holds up to 300 worshippers and comes with a cultural centre whose architecture draws on northern Russia.
Golden domes by the canal
The church was designed by the Russian architect Dmitry Pshenichnikov, with the French architect Michel Arnold overseeing construction. The gilded domes were put in place in March 2017, and a 3.20-metre gilded stainless-steel cross was fixed on the main dome on 2 July 2017. Their gleam stands out against the nearby office blocks and is reflected in the canal. The silhouette is best seen from the opposite bank on a sunny day.
A consecration in two stages
Once building work was finished, a minor consecration was held on 23 December 2018 by Bishop Nestor, with the blessing of Patriarch Kirill. The major consecration took place on 26 May 2019, led by Patriarch Kirill of Moscow himself. Since then the church has followed the rhythm of the Orthodox liturgy, celebrated in the Russian tradition. To attend a service, check the parish website, which publishes its times.
In the European quarter
The church stands in the Conseil des XV district, near the European institutions, on the bank of the Marne-Rhine canal. This area, newer than the historic centre, is pleasant to explore on foot or by bike along the water. You can combine a look at the European buildings with a stop at the church, then head on to the large green spaces in the east of Strasbourg. Keep things quiet if you go in during a service.
Practical information
Frequently asked questions
Where is All Saints Orthodox Church?
In the Conseil des XV district, on the Marne-Rhine canal near the European institutions, east of Strasbourg city centre.
When was the church built?
The foundation stone was laid in September 2014, the gilded domes went up in 2017 and the major consecration was celebrated on 26 May 2019 by Patriarch Kirill of Moscow.
Can visitors go inside?
It is an active parish church. Service times are published on the parish website (ruhram.eu); dress modestly and keep a low profile, especially during the liturgy.
What is there to see nearby?
The European institutions' buildings are in the same area, reachable along the canals. For older heritage, head back west to the Neustadt, St Paul's Church and the Grande Île.
Wikimedia Commons — Nicoleon
