1748

Since the founding of the fortress, the plan had been to build a church on the island, but the project was continually postponed. The military congregations worshipped in rooms not originally designed for religious use.

1808

The fortress passed into the hands of the Russians, giving rise to an Orthodox community on the island. An Orthodox church was set up in the Ehrensvärd Crownwork.

1849

The construction of the church began. Several wooden houses were demolished to make way for the church.

1854

The church for the Russian garrison was finally completed. It was designed by Konstantin Thon. The central tower of the church was surrounded by four smaller towers with onion domes. A fence was built around the church, made of cannon barrels and crossed chains.
Photos:
Down left corner: Orthodox field service in 1908.
Down in the middle: Iconostasis at the altar of the old church.

1870 -

The oldest European lindens in the park surrounding the church were planted in the 1870s.

1919 -

After Finnish independence, the Orthodox church was transformed into a Lutheran church. The iconostasis, movable effects and works of art were removed and the exteriors renovated for a simpler appearance.

1929

After the completion of the alteration work, the church was consecrated for Lutheran use. A lighthouse beacon was placed in the church tower to serve as a navigational aid for ships and air traffic.

The alteration work for the church included dismantling the main dome and four towers of the original church. The current tower stands 41.8 metres above ground level. The beacon emits four consecutive flashes which in Morse code is the letter H, for Helsinki. The church is still used by the Lutheran congregation of Helsinki.