Monday 18 August 2014

Helsinki Orthodox Cathedral: Iconostasis

 
On the 5th of August, browsing Marine's trades gallerie, I came across to this beautiful card. The next minute I send a swap request and luckily she responded. Today the awaited card reached my inbox. 
The Orthodox Church is Finland is rather small, BUT surprisingly it is recognized by the State and called National Church along with the Evangelical-Lutheran one. The Uspensky Cathedral is dedicated to the Dormition of Virgin Mary and was built in the middle of 18th century when Finland was an autonomous Grand Duchy in the Russian Empire. The cathedral hosts several valuable icons, among others St. Nicolas, which was stolen on 16 August 2007 while hundreds of tourists were visiting the cathedral. The icon is now being searched for in Finland as well as abroad.
The wooden iconostasis belongs to Russian style and hosts the classical icons: Jesus, Virgin Mary, Apostles, Saints and Angels. Another interesting detail about this cathedral is that there is no chairs or benches and everybody have to stand up during the services.
About the stamp. This yummy Blackberry is one of the 3 stamps collection called Garden Berries. Designed by Ossi Hiekkala it was printed in March 2013 with the 1 LK/KL marking. First I thought it was a value but the abbreviation come from 1 luokka (1st class).

Thank You Johanna !

Country: Finland
Description: Uspensky Cathedral Iconostasis
Photo: unknown
Location: here

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