One of the most ancient churches in Nizhny Novgorod is quite small; it was built in its current form in the middle of the 17th century. The cathedral had previously served as a sepulcher for princes of Suzdal and Nizhny Novgorod, many of whom were buried here, and since the 20th century, it has housed the remnants of Kuzma Minin, who formed the popular uprising against the Polish occupants in 1612.

There is a connection between the church and the bell tower, so the bell-ringer can be seen as well as heard through the upper arched opening. There is a monument to Prince Yuri (Georgy) Vsevolodovich, the founder of Nizhny Novgorod, and his mentor St Simeon in front of the cathedral. Nizhny Novgorod is the only city in Russia whose founder is consecrated a saint.