Sortavala (Rantue), Republic of Karelia Russia
Russian Orthodox [Finnish Orthodox]
The church was built in 1891 and consecrated in 1903. The interior furnishings were from the main church (1765) in Sortavala that was demolished in 1877. The St. Nicholas church was repaired in 1926. It was in good condition before the Winter War. However, it was in land taken by the Soviets and church equipment could not be evacuated. The interior was destroyed. When Karelia was retaken in the Continuation War, the icons were found in a nearby residence. In 1944 the church was included in the land annexed to the Soviet Union. The dome and crosses, icons and other interior equipment were lost or destroyed. The building was used as a club and library, with ovens, etc. It is once again in use as a church, and belongs to the Monastery of Valaam.