Trinity Izmailov Cathedral, completed in 1835 for the Izmailovsky Guards, is known for its deep-blue domes. The central dome, 83 meters high, was covered in wooden scaffolding when we were there, as were some of the four smaller domes.  One, however, was restored, with gold stars against the brightened blue roof.
We had lunch at this cathedral, and offered a gift to Father Gennady, who suggested we turn it over to the orphanage the cathedral sponsors. We got an unexpected orphanage visit from this exchange.  We also witnessed a rite in which people bring foodstuffs, which are laid out on a long table in the nave, and the priests chant the names of people who have died.
So imagine the horror we shared as news spread about the fire on August 25 that destroyed the main dome and one of the others. The photos below, from AP, show the fire and two of the remaining cupolas, a clergyman carrying an icon out of the building, and firefighters and civilians rescuing icons while the dome glows orange with fire above.
Deacon Sergei Shalberov sent this photo of the cross standing atop the flaming scaffolding.
David Hill, one of our pilgrims, took the photo of the cathedral nave at right when we were there for lunch.  Maggie Yowell's photo, left, is of Father Gennady accepting a donation of seeds to spread among his parishioners.
The domes were wooden, but the rest of the building was sturdily built.  This photo by Ann Holiday looks up under a stairway leading to the undercroft, where we had our lunch.  At right is one of the unrestored domes, next to the scaffolding that enveloped the main dome.
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