Architectural Design and StyleThe Church of Saint Nicholas in Vaasa was designed in the mid-19th century in the spirit of historicism, following the Russian “Ton style” (In Russian: tonovskii stil’), which was characteristic of Orthodox church architecture of that period. The design is based on standard model drawings by Konstantin Thon, particularly from his Second Album of Church Designs (1844). These models influenced the church’s proportions, the composition of the central dome crowned with a tented roof (shatër), and the pointed gabled pediments.
The bell tower reproduces a type employed by Thon in the Mitrophanievskaya Church in Saratov (from his First Album, 1838). The ground plan follows the form of an equal-armed Greek cross, which in the mid-19th century was regarded as the most ancient model for Russian churches and was famously employed in the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow. Stylistically, the building combines restrained Neoclassical elements—such as paired pilasters, panelled façades, and semicircular windows—with Romano-Byzantine details, including biforium windows set in deep, perspectival frames. The tented roof, with its steep pyramidal silhouette, was perceived in the 19th century not only as a national motif but also as a memorial and decorative form; contemporaries often described such domes as “Gothic” or “conical.” Structurally, the massive drum rests on pendentives supported by powerful corner pylons of the central square. The project was most likely developed by Carl Axel Setterberg in cooperation with the diocesan architect G. I. Karpov, whose work frequently incorporated Thon’s stylistic vocabulary. The successful realization of an Orthodox church in traditional Russian forms by a local Lutheran architect was exceptional for its time and is attested by early documentary sources. The Vaasa church has no direct architectural parallels in the Baltic region. Within Finland, its architectural theme was continued only once, in the now-lost military Church of Saint Nicholas in Tuusula (1897–1900). The iconostasis is executed in Neo-Baroque forms, creating a harmonious contrast with the building’s restrained exterior. The church interior consists largely of donations made by Ivan Lisitzin, later supplemented by financial support from Saint John of Kronstadt, as well as liturgical items acquired from Saint Petersburg. The iconostasis was commissioned in the 1890s by the parish priest, Archpriest Sergei Solntsev, from the Imperial Academy of Arts in Saint Petersburg. Among the church’s most treasured objects is the Plashchanitsa (a liturgical burial icon of Christ), which—according to historical accounts—was taken from Bomarsund Fortress in Åland during the Crimean War in 1854 and later returned to Finland, eventually finding its place in the Vaasa Orthodox Church. The church also preserves historic chandeliers and icons donated by benefactors, military officers, and the Valamo Monastery. Major restorations and acquisitions were supported by Saint John of Kronstadt. |
Our Church HistoryToday, the Vaasa Orthodox chapelry parish belongs to the Oulu Diocese and functions as part of the Tampere Orthodox Parish (further information: www.tampereort.fi/).
The Vaasa Orthodox chapel parish belongs administratively to the Tampere Orthodox Parish and geographically covers the former provinces of Ostrobothnia, South Ostrobothnia, and Central Ostrobothnia, serving a local multicultural Orthodox community. The Orthodox Church of Finland (more information: ort.fi/en/finnish-orthodox-church/) has been an autonomous church under the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople since 1923 ( Further information: ec-patr.org/en/ ) Its primate is Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, who has served since 1991 ( further information: ec-patr.org/en/the-patriarch/biography-of-the-ecumenical-patriarch/ ) Orthodox life in Vaasa began after 1809, when Russian military units were stationed in major Finnish cities. Along with the troops came merchants and civilians who formed the nucleus of the local Orthodox community. Among the earliest and most influential figures was the merchant Ivan Lisitzin, whose persistent efforts laid the foundation for the parish. Early attempts to build an Orthodox church in Vaasa in 1813 and 1822 were unsuccessful. Nevertheless, a priest was appointed to serve both soldiers and civilians, and the so-called Alkula House in Old Vaasa functioned as a military church. By the mid-19th century, the Orthodox population had grown significantly. In 1845 local Russian merchant Ivan Lisitzin donated 10,000 rubles for the construction of a church dedicated to Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker. Although he did not live to see the church completed, his vision was fulfilled after imperial approval was granted in 1849. Following the great fire of 1852 and the relocation of the city, the church project entered a new phase. The provincial architect Carl Axel Setterberg redesigned Vaasa’s city plan, placing the church on the city’s highest point, today’s Kasarmitori. Project of Church was most likely developed by Carl Axel Setterberg in cooperation with the diocesan architect G. I. Karpov. Construction proceeded with some delays, and in 1862 the church was completed. This year is regarded as the founding year of the Vaasa Orthodox parish. The church was solemnly consecrated on 9 September 1866 (Old Style) by Metropolitan Isidor (Nikolsky) of Saint Petersburg in honor of the Translation of the Relics of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker from Myra to Bari, commemorated on 9 May (Old Style). The parish acquired its first rectory and parish office only in the 1950s. After selling its original property in 1980, a new parish center was built and consecrated in 1982. Petander, C.-B. J., and Stig Gunnar Hamberg. Vaasan ortodoksinen kirkko: lyhyt historiikki. Vaasa, 1982. |
Divine Services at St. Nicholas Church and Regional Chapels Divine services are celebrated at St. Nicholas Church in Vaasa and at regional chapels in Kokkola, Pietarsaari, Lapua, and Seinäjoki, as well as in other locations within the administrative area of the chapel parish in Ostrobothnia, South Ostrobothnia, and Central Ostrobothnia
Here you can find the locations of our church and chapels, along with the schedule of church services, in Finnish: Jumalanpalvelukset
and Swedish: www.vaasaort.com/gudstjaumlnster-i-foumlrsamlingen.html
and Swedish: www.vaasaort.com/gudstjaumlnster-i-foumlrsamlingen.html
Contact information
Our Office
Koulukatu 45,
65100 Vaasa
Opening hours from 11 a.m. to 15 p.m. on Tuesdays.
Please contact us by using e-mail or phone:
Priest (Vaasa)
father Andrei Sõtšov, PhD (theol)
Phone 0400761718
E-mail: [email protected]
2nd priest (Kokkola)
father Johannes Pulkkanen, PhD (theol)
Phone 0449015367
E-mail: [email protected]
Cantor (Kokkola)
Lasarus Blomster
Phone 0445339321
E-mail: [email protected]
Koulukatu 45,
65100 Vaasa
Opening hours from 11 a.m. to 15 p.m. on Tuesdays.
Please contact us by using e-mail or phone:
Priest (Vaasa)
father Andrei Sõtšov, PhD (theol)
Phone 0400761718
E-mail: [email protected]
2nd priest (Kokkola)
father Johannes Pulkkanen, PhD (theol)
Phone 0449015367
E-mail: [email protected]
Cantor (Kokkola)
Lasarus Blomster
Phone 0445339321
E-mail: [email protected]