Saint John the Apostle Church, Kyiv

Saint John the Apostle Church is a brick building with Ukrainian Baroque features located within St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery complex. The structure now serves as part of the Kyiv Orthodox Theological Academy and Seminary, where regular services are held for students and visitors alike.

The building was constructed in 1713 using materials salvaged from the former Simeon Church, establishing its early presence on the monastery grounds. Major restoration work in the 1820s and interior paintings added in 1837 shaped the structure as it appears today.

The church became a place of linguistic and spiritual change when it started holding services in Ukrainian language in 1990, marking a shift in religious practice across the city. This moment connected the building to the broader movement of cultural recovery that was reshaping Kyiv at that time.

Access to the building is through the monastery complex, and visitors should wear respectful clothing and maintain quiet behavior. Services follow the Orthodox calendar, so checking times in advance helps plan the best moment to visit and experience the space properly.

During the Soviet period in the 1920s, the building was converted into a student dining hall, which inadvertently protected it from demolition that affected other monastery structures. This unexpected use as a canteen allowed the structure to survive the turbulent era and endure to the present day.

Location: Kyiv

Architectural style: Ukrainian Baroque

GPS coordinates: 50.45000,30.51667

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:43