The Orthodox Church

At the Lappeenranta Fortress, you will find the oldest Orthodox church in Finland, the Protection of the Theotokos Church (Pokrova), dating from 1785. The patron saint icon of the church is the Pokrova icon from 1780, which depicts the Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
In winter, the church is open to the public, during services. Concerts also take place at the church.

Information about the church

History of the church

The first Orthodox church in Lappeenranta was built by the Regiment of Wladimir, which was stationed in the city after the Battle of Lappeenranta. Completed in 1744, the church was a wooden structure with architectural influences from St. Petersburg. It was dedicated to 'Our Most Holy Lady, the Mother of God' and featured a tall belfry constructed from logs. 


In 1780, Catherine the Great amended the Building Code of the Lappeenranta Fortress. As a result, the old wooden church of the Regiment of Wladimir had to be replaced with a new stone church. The present-day church, dedicated to 'The Protection of the Theotokos,' was built on the site of the old church and was inaugurated in 1785. In the early 1900s, the nave of the church was expanded in both directions, while the vestibule and the chancel remained intact. 


Opening hours

Church is open from  June 3th - August 31th 2025 Tue - Sun at 12 PM to 4 pm 

Contact

Kristiinankatu 3, 53900 Lappeenranta
phone +358 206 100 470