Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Visiting the Cathedral:
The uppermost “onion dome” represents the “sacred heart of
Jesus,” while the smaller ones represent the hearts of the 12 apostles. The cathedral's in-
terior is a potentially emotional icon experience. Its rich images are a stark contrast to the
sober Lutheran Cathedral. While commonly called the “Russian church,” the cathedral is
actually Finnish Orthodox, answering to the patriarch in Constantinople (Istanbul). Much
of eastern Finland (parts of the Karelia region) is Finnish Orthodox.
The cathedral's Orthodox Mass is beautiful, with a standing congregation, candles, in-
cense, icons in action, priests behind the iconostasis (screen), and timeless music (human
voices only—no instruments). In the front left corner, find the icon featuring the Madonna
and child, surrounded by rings and jewelry (under glass), given in thanks for prayers
answered. Across from the icon is a white marble table with candle holes and a dish of
wheat seeds, representing recent deaths. Wheat seeds symbolize that death is not the end,
but just a change.
Though the cathedral is worthwhile, the one in Tallinn is even nicer, so skip this one if
you're visiting both cities and short on time.
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Lutheran Cathedral
—With its prominent green dome, gleaming white facade, and
the 12 apostles overlooking the city and harbor, this church is Carl Ludvig Engel's master-
piece.
