Andrea Collins Photography


A Call to Prayer and Reflection


St. Andrew’s Cathedral stands as a timeless beacon of faith, heritage, and compassion. As we journey through its storied halls, may we be inspired to embrace the beauty of God's creation and find renewal in the sanctuary of prayer. As visitors step into St. Andrew’s Cathedral, they are invited into a sacred space of prayer and contemplation. Whether Catholic or non-Catholic, all are welcomed to seek solace and spiritual nourishment within its hallowed halls. Amidst the splendor of its architecture and the warmth of its community, the cathedral beckons visitors to encounter the beauty of God's creation and find solace in prayer.

stained glass detail in catholic cathedral st andrews cathedral victoria bc
black and white photo of the interior wall and windows in st andrews cathedral in victoria bc
bride and groom walking towards the front doors of st andrews cathedral in victoria bc

Nestled in the heart of Victoria, British Columbia, St. Andrew’s Cathedral stands as a testament to faith, culture, and architectural splendor. Dedicated on October 30th, 1892, by Bishop John Lemmens, this majestic cathedral reflects our cultural ties to French Canadian history and Quebec, boasting a design crafted by renowned Montreal church architects Maurice Perrault and Albert Mesnard. The Cathedral holds a rich tapestry of history, with its architecture echoing the grandeur of late 19th-century craftsmanship. The stained glass windows, adorned with depictions of Christ's life and various saints, transport visitors to a bygone era. Among them, the central window in the Sanctuary honors St. Andrew, the Patron Saint of the Cathedral, serving as a focal point of reverence and devotion.


In the mid-1980s, a significant restoration and renovation breathed new life into St. Andrew’s Cathedral, preserving its Victorian charm while enhancing its sacred ambiance. Led by restoration architects Bawlf, Cooper & Associates, the Cathedral's decorative panels, inspired by the Book of Kells, pay homage to its heritage and artistic legacy.

black and white photo of the organ being played at st andrew's cathedral in victoria british columbia

"The Cathedral's pipe organ, crafted by Casavant Freres in Quebec, resonates with heavenly melodies, enveloping worshippers in a symphony of praise and worship."

a picture of light streaming through the stained glass windows at st andrew's cathedral in victoria british columbia.

The Cathedral's altar, a masterpiece crafted by acclaimed West Coast native artist Charles Elliot, stands as a testament to cultural fusion and spiritual reverence. Carved from yellow cedar, the altar exudes symbolism, with intricate panels depicting pivotal moments from Christ's life and Scripture. Similarly, the lectern, a work of art by native artist Roy Henry Vickers, embodies the profound themes of the death and resurrection of Christ, serving as a poignant symbol of faith.


The cathedral seamlessly blends tradition with innovation, evident in its architectural features and artistic elements. Local artist Tim Paul's quatrefoil windows, adorned with symbols of the raven and the moon, pay homage to West Coast native mythology while inviting contemplation and spiritual reflection. The Cathedral's pipe organ, crafted by Casavant Freres in Quebec, resonates with heavenly melodies, enveloping worshippers in a symphony of praise and worship.

parishioners sitting in the pews at st andrew's cathedral in victoria british columbia
a statue of the virgin mary at st andrew's cathedral in victoria british columbia.
father dino consecrating the eucharist at st andrew's cathedral in victoria british columbia

In addition to its spiritual significance, St. Andrew’s Cathedral serves as a breathtaking venue for weddings, embodying the timeless romance and elegance of a bygone era. With its soaring ceilings, intricate stained glass windows, and majestic architecture, the Cathedral provides a picturesque backdrop for couples to exchange vows and embark on a journey of lifelong love and commitment. From intimate ceremonies to grand celebrations, every wedding at St. Andrew’s Cathedral is imbued with a sense of reverence and beauty, creating cherished memories that will be treasured for a lifetime. With its rich history and unparalleled charm, St. Andrew’s Cathedral offers couples the perfect setting to experience the sacrament of marriage within the context of the Catholic Church.

the hands of a bride and groom lighting a prayer candle at st andrew's cathedral in victoria british columbia
a groom kisses his bride on the forehead while standing inside of st andrew's cathedral in victoria british columbia.

"The Cathedral's towering stained glass windows, adorned with intricate designs and vibrant colors, serve as conduits for the sun's golden rays, casting a warm and radiant glow throughout the interior."

One of the most captivating features of St. Andrew’s Cathedral is the ethereal play of natural light that fills its sacred space. The Cathedral's towering stained glass windows, adorned with intricate designs and vibrant colors, serve as conduits for the sun's golden rays, casting a warm and radiant glow throughout the interior. As sunlight streams through these magnificent windows, it illuminates the ornate altars, majestic arches, and reverent worshippers, creating a transcendent atmosphere of peace and serenity. Whether bathed in the soft hues of dawn or the golden brilliance of sunset, the interplay of natural light within St. Andrew’s Cathedral evokes a sense of divine presence and spiritual beauty, inviting visitors to bask in its heavenly embrace and find solace in the midst of life's journey.

a bride and groom stand on the alter looking at the parishioners at st andrew's cathedral in victoria british columbia.
a bride and groom embrace and smile at each other in the stairwell at st andrew's cathedral. a stained glass window.
parishioners sitting in the pews with a byzantine painting of the holy family can be seen in the background at st andrew