From Orthodox to Lutheran

The Suomenlinna Church was built as a Russian Orthodox garrison church and the original building had five steeples with onion domes. The appearance of the church was changed after Finland became independent. The church was converted into a Lutheran church according to plans of architect Einar Sjöström. The central dome lost its onion shape, and the tower was made outwardly quadrangular. The bases of the small domes were left under the roof. The walls were plastered to form an even surface. All the Orthodox items were removed from the church. The Lutheran consecration took place in April 1929. At the same year, the church tower was fitted with an AGA gas beacon light.

The church served as a Lutheran garrison church, until the Defence Forces handed the building over to the Evangelical Lutheran parishes of Helsinki in 1960. After the extensive repairs designed by architect Veikko Leistén the church was rededicated in February 1964.