In English:
This Orthodox Church is situated in a town called Hamina, nearby the Russian border. That is from Helsinki (capital) by car about 2½ hours to the East.
It was built in 1835. When I visited Hamina for the first time this summer 2010, I was very interested to the city plan, because its form is circle, like a spider’s web. That was great, because from the center I could see “all the streets”.
Church of St. Peter and St. Paul is quite typical from inside. With that I mean full of icons and paintings. If one has never visited in this kind of church, one’s head goes to the wheel. I like to visit in Orthodox churches, because our churches are normally very basic, modest and not “plated with gol”” as some are generally in Southern parts of Europe.
The church is devoted to St. Peter and St. Paul. Very close the church there is beautiful bell tower from 1862. So, start the tour with me.
En español:
Esta Iglesia Ortodoxa está situada en un pueblo llamado Hamina, cerca de la frontera con Rusia. Eso es de Helsinki (capital) en carro unas 2 horas y media al Este.
Fue construido en 1835. Cuando visité Hamina por primera vez este verano 2010, estaba muy interesado en el plano de la ciudad, porque que su forma es circular. Eso fue genial, porque desde el centro pude ver “todas la calles”.
Iglesia de San Pedro y San Pablo es muy típico del interior. Con esto quiero decir que esta llena de iconos y pinturas. Si uno nunca ha visitado en este tipo de iglesia, la cabeza va a la rueda. Me gusta visitar las iglesias ortodoxas, ya que nuestras iglesias son normalmente muy básicas, modestas y no “doradas”, como estan generalmente en partes del sur de Europa.
La iglesia está dedicada a San Pedro (Simón Pedro) y San Pablo (Pablo de Tarso). Cerca de la iglesia hay hermoso campanario de 1862. Por consiguiente, vamos a empezar la visita conmigo.
En Francais:
Cette Eglise orthodoxe est située dans une ville appelée Hamina, à proximité de la frontière russe. C’est d’Helsinki (capitale) en voiture about 2 heures et demie à l’Est.
Elle a été construite en 1835. Lorsque j’ai visité Hamina pour la première fois cet été 2010, j’ai été très intéressé au plan de la ville, parce que sa forme est le cercle. C’était génial, car à partir du centre, je pouvais voir “toutes les rues”.
Eglise de Saint Pierre et Saint Paul est assez typique de l’intérieur. Avec ce que je veux dire que c’est pleine d’icônes et de peintures. Si ne s’est jamais rendu une visite dans ce genre d’église, la tête va à la roue. J’aime à visiter dans les églises orthodoxes, parce que nos églises sont généralement très simples, modestes et non pas “plaqué avec or”, comme c’est généralement dans les régions méridionales de l’Europe.
L’église est consacrée à saint Pierre et saint Paul (Paul de Tarse). Proche de l’Église il y a un beau clocher de 1862. Alors, commencez la visite avec moi.
Church of St. Peter and St. Paul / Iglesia de San Pedro y San Pablo / Église de Saint Pierre et Saint Paul
Church of St. Peter and St. Paul / Iglesia de San Pedro y San Pablo / Église de Saint Pierre et Saint Paul
Church of St. Peter and St. Paul / Iglesia de San Pedro y San Pablo / Église de Saint Pierre et Saint Paul
Church of St. Peter and St. Paul / Iglesia de San Pedro y San Pablo / Église de Saint Pierre et Saint Paul
Church of St. Peter and St. Paul / Iglesia de San Pedro y San Pablo / Église de Saint Pierre et Saint Paul
Church of St. Peter and St. Paul / Iglesia de San Pedro y San Pablo / Église de Saint Pierre et Saint Paul
Church of St. Peter and St. Paul / Iglesia de San Pedro y San Pablo / Église de Saint Pierre et Saint Paul
Church of St. Peter and St. Paul / Iglesia de San Pedro y San Pablo / Église de Saint Pierre et Saint Paul
Church of St. Peter and St. Paul / Iglesia de San Pedro y San Pablo / Église de Saint Pierre et Saint Paul
Church of St. Peter and St. Paul / Iglesia de San Pedro y San Pablo / Église de Saint Pierre et Saint Paul
Church of St. Peter and St. Paul / Iglesia de San Pedro y San Pablo / Église de Saint Pierre et Saint Paul
Church of St. Peter and St. Paul / Iglesia de San Pedro y San Pablo / Église de Saint Pierre et Saint Paul
Church of St. Peter and St. Paul / Iglesia de San Pedro y San Pablo / Église de Saint Pierre et Saint Paul
Church of St. Peter and St. Paul / Iglesia de San Pedro y San Pablo / Église de Saint Pierre et Saint Paul
Church of St. Peter and St. Paul / Iglesia de San Pedro y San Pablo / Église de Saint Pierre et Saint Paul
Church of St. Peter and St. Paul / Iglesia de San Pedro y San Pablo / Église de Saint Pierre et Saint Paul
Church of St. Peter and St. Paul / Iglesia de San Pedro y San Pablo / Église de Saint Pierre et Saint Paul
Church of St. Peter and St. Paul / Iglesia de San Pedro y San Pablo / Église de Saint Pierre et Saint Paul
Church of St. Peter and St. Paul / Iglesia de San Pedro y San Pablo / Église de Saint Pierre et Saint Paul
Church of St. Peter and St. Paul / Iglesia de San Pedro y San Pablo / Église de Saint Pierre et Saint Paul
Church of St. Peter and St. Paul / Iglesia de San Pedro y San Pablo / Église de Saint Pierre et Saint Paul
Church of St. Peter and St. Paul / Iglesia de San Pedro y San Pablo / Église de Saint Pierre et Saint Paul
Church of St. Peter and St. Paul / Iglesia de San Pedro y San Pablo / Église de Saint Pierre et Saint Paul
Church of St. Peter and St. Paul / Iglesia de San Pedro y San Pablo / Église de Saint Pierre et Saint Paul
Church of St. Peter and St. Paul / Iglesia de San Pedro y San Pablo / Église de Saint Pierre et Saint Paul
Church of St. Peter and St. Paul / Iglesia de San Pedro y San Pablo / Église de Saint Pierre et Saint Paul
Church of St. Peter and St. Paul / Iglesia de San Pedro y San Pablo / Église de Saint Pierre et Saint Paul
Church of St. Peter and St. Paul / Iglesia de San Pedro y San Pablo / Église de Saint Pierre et Saint Paul
Church of St. Peter and St. Paul / Iglesia de San Pedro y San Pablo / Église de Saint Pierre et Saint Paul
Church of St. Peter and St. Paul / Iglesia de San Pedro y San Pablo / Église de Saint Pierre et Saint Paul
Church of St. Peter and St. Paul / Iglesia de San Pedro y San Pablo / Église de Saint Pierre et Saint Paul
Church of St. Peter and St. Paul / Iglesia de San Pedro y San Pablo / Église de Saint Pierre et Saint Paul
Church of St. Peter and St. Paul / Iglesia de San Pedro y San Pablo / Église de Saint Pierre et Saint Paul
Church of St. Peter and St. Paul / Iglesia de San Pedro y San Pablo / Église de Saint Pierre et Saint Paul
Church of St. Peter and St. Paul / Iglesia de San Pedro y San Pablo / Église de Saint Pierre et Saint Paul
Church of St. Peter and St. Paul / Iglesia de San Pedro y San Pablo / Église de Saint Pierre et Saint Paul
Church of St. Peter and St. Paul / Iglesia de San Pedro y San Pablo / Église de Saint Pierre et Saint Paul
Church of St. Peter and St. Paul / Iglesia de San Pedro y San Pablo / Église de Saint Pierre et Saint Paul
Church of St. Peter and St. Paul / Iglesia de San Pedro y San Pablo / Église de Saint Pierre et Saint Paul
Church of St. Peter and St. Paul / Iglesia de San Pedro y San Pablo / Église de Saint Pierre et Saint Paul
Church of St. Peter and St. Paul / Iglesia de San Pedro y San Pablo / Église de Saint Pierre et Saint Paul
Church of St. Peter and St. Paul / Iglesia de San Pedro y San Pablo / Église de Saint Pierre et Saint Paul
Travels in Finland and abroad 
Stunning! The repeating of the sun-burst image intrigues me, the style amazes me and the detail delights me. I thought after seeing the painted scenes on the walls that the inside of the dome would be very ornately decorated so was surprised to see that it was actually quite simple. That said, the simplicity of the dome is BEAUTIFUL and I loved it. The framed portrait of the angel who’s wearing a pink sash over a blue robe stopped me in my tracks, I just keep staring at it and … later the Mother and Child icon too. This is testament that Might and Size are not always needed to show a beauty that seems “bigger than us” a smaller interment Church like this does it just as well. The eye is deliberately lead though the building by the paintings and flow of of the building, lead upwards to the roof and drawn downwards again by the decorations. The bell-tower is also a stunning building, wonderful photos and an exciting look at a beautiful building! I love learning about new places. Thank You !
Comment by kiwidutch — December 17, 2010 @ 08:46 |
Hello kiwidutch.
Apparently You liked this post of mine. Thank You. This church is really different from those I have presented here until now, except the Uspensky Cathedral in the center of Helsinki which I presented in February 3, 2010. About bell tower, when I saw it at first time, I was “flabbergasted”.
Have a wonderful day!
Comment by sartenada — December 17, 2010 @ 09:19 |
The church is indeed very beautiful. The artwork and paintings make my head spin! It would take me a long time to understand all of them and to learn enough about them to truly appreciate them.
Comment by montucky — December 17, 2010 @ 08:56 |
Hi Montucky.
Thank You. When there is so much to see, then one thing stays unseen and that is lack of pews. Yes, the worship is really held so, that one must be standing there. Okay, there are few stools for older people and the number varies from church to church.
Have a nice day!
Comment by sartenada — December 17, 2010 @ 09:31 |
Greetings from white, freezing East Finland – trees are covered by a thick white frost ( or hoarfrost or is it hard rime, don`t know a right term for it, but you huurre )and it`s -20C this morning.
When I looked at your photos, it feels like I could be there in person now, thank you.
These Orthodox churches are so light and decorative – you shows it so very beautifully with your photos.
Happy holiday to you and your wife!
Comment by Leena — December 17, 2010 @ 08:57 |
Hi Leena.
Thank You Leena for Your visit and for Your nice comment. I wish to You also very happy holidays!
Have a wonderful day!
Comment by sartenada — December 17, 2010 @ 09:34 |
Bonjour Matti,
De très belles harmonies de couleurs dans cette église qui regorge de sacrés trésors.
Mais dis-moi, existe-t-il en Finlande des églises modestes, pas très belles, et qui nécessitent d’être rénovées ?! Tu nous montres à chaque fois des splendeurs !! 😉
Bon week-end.
Bises
Comment by Marion B. — December 17, 2010 @ 13:20 |
Bonjour Marion.
Merci beaucoup. Eh, bien, il ya ce genre d’églises bien sûr, et je me souviens tes aimables paroles à l’avenir avec joie. 🙂
je te souhaite un agréable weekend aussi!
Comment by sartenada — December 17, 2010 @ 18:00 |
This church is very special and beautiful, there is a lot of influence from east here! And what a wonderful summerday you spent here, I start dreaming about summer when I look at your pictures of this lovely building 🙂
Comment by truels — December 17, 2010 @ 14:26 |
Hi Truels.
Thank You. I am glad that You liked this church. Yes, it has heavy influence from east, because it is nearby the border and it is an Orthodox church. You are so right when You said about summer. It really takes over one’s mind, but now we have the yuletide very near. Normally I post new post on Friday, but due to yuletide, I make an additional post on Monday.
Have a wonderful day.
Comment by sartenada — December 17, 2010 @ 17:56 |
Church of St. Peter and St. Paul is beautiful and an art sanctuary. I haven’t ever seen so much art in one place, much less a church! Lovely dome. I bet it takes a crew to keep the church pristine clean and the artwork well care fore. Very nice series of photos!
Comment by Anna — December 17, 2010 @ 18:04 |
Hello Anna.
So nice that You commented this post and liked my photos! You said it so nicely:”it takes a crew to keep the church pristine clean”. Well, I never thought it, but You Must be right. 🙂
I wish to You and Preston a wonderful weekend where ever You travel to take beautiful photos!
BTW, I just remembered, that this post of mine is hundredth. So, the time is passing soon when seeing at back.
Comment by sartenada — December 17, 2010 @ 18:19 |
A marvelous architecture…. and lovely details ! Fantastic work again ! Your Churches series are always fascinating and full of details ! Very very well done !
Have a nice weekend 🙂
Comment by Tamara — December 18, 2010 @ 15:46 |
Hello Tamara.
Thank You saying so. When I planned my series of four different churches, I was afraid in my mind its reception by people. Now I see that sometimes in the future I can plan different series to be presented.
Have a wonderful Sunday.
Comment by sartenada — December 19, 2010 @ 09:52 |
Both outside and inside of this church are so beautiful!
I have been to two Orthodox churches in London. 😉
When I was in Greece, I also saw a lot.
I actually prefer English churches.
They’re simple and their stained windows are amazing.
Comment by London Caller — December 19, 2010 @ 03:13 |
Hi London Caller.
Thank You. My first becoming acquainted happened also in Greece and more precisely in Crete. When this summer I had possibility to visit in some Orthodox churches, I found that there are different art themes inside them. All are not the same type as one could think so. One thing which I am “looking for” inside churches is just art. Art has so many faces.
Have a nice day.
Comment by sartenada — December 19, 2010 @ 09:59 |
I love this church. It isn’t “over decorated” like the orthodox churches I am familar with. The paintings are all beautiful and I love all the gold trim. The outside is beautiful, too.
Comment by kateri — December 19, 2010 @ 06:39 |
Hi Kateri.
That was so nice to hear what You said. Thank You for Your comment and I appreciate it because You said that You are familiar with Orthodox churches.
Have a happy Sunday!
Comment by sartenada — December 19, 2010 @ 10:02 |
De très belles couleurs dans cette église qui regorge beaucoup de trésors.
je vous souhaite de magnifiques fêtes de je vous souhaite une bonne année 2011.
a+
frammy
Comment by frammy — December 19, 2010 @ 12:33 |
Bonjour Frammy.
Je suis tellement contente que tu as visité mon blog et faite un joli commentaire.
Je te souhaite un très bon dimanche.
Comment by sartenada — December 19, 2010 @ 12:41 |
Beautiful pictures! This church looks more inviting than your last but it is a few hundred years newer 🙂
These old buildings are kept very well. Thanks for visiting my blog and commenting. Have a good week and a blessed Christmas season.
Comment by Ruth — December 19, 2010 @ 14:58 |
Hi Ruth.
Thank You very much Ruth.
I wish to You a wonderful Sunday!
Comment by sartenada — December 19, 2010 @ 16:04 |
Good morning Matti,
The architecture including color of the exterior facade of this church is very interesting. The environment of the church is harmonious and inviting. The interior is very ornate and at once unique and beautiful. The colors of the wall and ceiling paintings are wonderfully matched with the gold. So much gold I have never seen before in a church. Every single photo is unique in its own way, clear and fantastic. I am very surprised, excited and at the same time I enjoy the sight. I thank you for allowing me to experience this church visit in your photo series. I look forward to the next series. We wish you and Anja, a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year 2011 and all the best on your everyday common paths. Thank you for all your nice comments and fidelity. Please check the e-mail.
Dear greetings Christel and Detlev
Comment by Christel — December 20, 2010 @ 03:51 |
Guten morgen Christel.
I am glad that You obviously liked my photos. Thank You leaving Your nice comment.
I wünsche ihnen einen schönen Montag.
Comment by sartenada — December 20, 2010 @ 08:20 |
What a beautiful series again, Matti ! I have the feeling to be back in Russia. I have seen many of these type of churches, not all were meant for religious services, some had been converted into museums since the Revolution. The architecture as well as the inner decoration are typical of Orthodox churches and this particular one is very beautiful. So many icons, frescoes, paintings, precious woods and gold. I love the Madona and Child (#19) and this exquisite blue dome (#13), a little bit of sky inside the church. Thank you Matti for these greats pictures.
Comment by isathreadsoflife — December 22, 2010 @ 20:30 |
Hi Isa.
We have some Orthodox churches in my country and last summer I had the possibility to visit in some of them. After that small tour, I can say that they are not all same looking although at first sight one could think so. I think that to convert churches into museums is not so good idea. I remember stories from my father-in-law who was a war hero and was born on an area we lost in WWII, that the church of his municipality was turned into horse stable. Well, it happened then, but times have been changed since it.
Thank You Isa.
Comment by sartenada — December 23, 2010 @ 08:12 |
La Iglesia católica cubana anuncia dos nuevas excarcelaciones…
I found your entry interesting thus I’ve added a Trackback to it on my weblog :)…
Trackback by diariosdominicanos.com — December 24, 2010 @ 06:35 |
Thank You so much.
Have a wondeful day!
Comment by sartenada — March 29, 2011 @ 06:26 |
this is why I envy European churches. The artwork and craftsmanship that goes into creating the church is magnificent! Every painting, detail, so meticulously and carefully done! *sigh* I enjoyed this set of pictures very much!
Comment by bursky — March 29, 2011 @ 05:14 |
Hello Bursky.
Thank You. Well, that is true what You say, but I have noticed that even the poorest parish church can be beautiful and interesting in its own way. One thought more: if the church is too much “gold-covered”, then its original purpose might be missing, but I do not deny the fact, that it is interesting se see sometimes “over-decorated” churches.
Happy Tuesday!
Comment by sartenada — March 29, 2011 @ 06:20 |
I’ve visited many, many cathedrals and churches in North America and Europe. This one appeals to me because, despite the presence of so many older works of art, it is very light and airy.
The idea of a city with streets constructed around a center sounds very appealing.
Comment by flandrumhill — May 4, 2011 @ 14:36 |
Hello Flandrumhill.
Thank You. It was last summer, when I visited in some Orthodox churches and I found this one “very special”. Its bell tower is very beautiful and differs from those we have in my country on country side generally.
Comment by sartenada — May 4, 2011 @ 15:40 |
We visited twenty churches on our trip to Europe last May. In the next few weeks I will be posting pictures of churches we visited in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. My ancestors worshiped at three of the churches in Germany in the 1800s.
Comment by crowcanyonjournal — January 28, 2013 @ 08:39 |
Hello Crowcanyonjournal.
Very interesting Your history of Your ancestors. I do not know if You noticed my special series presenting:
Poor-man statues.
I will have 15 posts and 57 Poor-man statues which are nearly only in Finland. And churches, yes there also 57 churches; some of them having inside photos also.
Happy Monday!
Comment by Sartenada — January 28, 2013 @ 14:01 |
I can’t believe my eyes that these Orthodox Churches are in Finland.Everything apart from the icons are absolutely the same as ours in Greece!Thank you Matti that you gave me the chance to see the interior of those churches.
Comment by DG MARYOGA — April 20, 2018 @ 10:45 |
Hello Doda.
Thank You commenting and loving my photos. I have one premade post showing an Orthodox church more in Finland. I’ll publish it during summer.
Happy upcoming weekend.
Comment by Sartenada — April 20, 2018 @ 11:12 |
I’ll be anxiously waiting to see it some time in summer.Have a nice day 🙂
Comment by DG MARYOGA — April 20, 2018 @ 13:53 |
Tu as raison, Matti, ces églises sont vraiment très belles 🙏
Comment by malyloup — September 24, 2019 @ 09:15 |
Je suis très heureux que vous ayez également vérifié cette église. Je vous remercie. Matti
Comment by Sartenada — September 24, 2019 @ 11:23 |