St. Nikolaos Orthodox Church

The St. Nicholas Church is the main church of the Kotka Orthodox Church in Kotka, Finland, surrounded by Isopuisto park. The church was built between 1799 and 1801 according to the drawings of architect Jakov Perrin. The church dates back to the time of the active years of the sea fortress of Ruotsinsalmi, when the Russians built the Ruotsinsalmi–Kyminlinna double fortress in the Kymi parish and a fortress town was created on Kotkansaari. The church is the oldest building in present-day Kotka, and it is a notable representative of neoclassicism in Finland.

The church was consecrated in honor of St. Nicholas the Miracle Worker, the Archbishop of Myra. St. Nicholas is one of the most respected saints of the Orthodox Church, he is the patron saint of travelers, sailors and fishermen, among others,[3] and also the patron of the Russian Empire and many other countries and cities.