A unique stone icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker has been unveiled on the waterfront of Sortavala, the departure point for boats heading to the renowned Valaam Monastery on Lake Ladoga. The icon, housed in a protective shrine (kiot), was created using a rare artistic technique that combines watercolor sketching with stone mosaic craftsmanship.

Crafted from stone fragments sourced from culturally significant sites across Karelia — including Besov Nos, the Girvas volcano, the Ruskeala marble canyon, and the skerries of Lake Ladoga — the image of St. Nicholas honors his legacy as the patron saint of sailors and travelers. Its placement near the dock serves as a spiritual send-off for pilgrims journeying to one of Russia’s most revered Orthodox monasteries.

The head of the Republic of Karelia, Artur Parfenchikov, shared news of the installation via his Telegram channel, describing it as “another step in the creation of Orthodox shrines on historically Russian lands.” He noted that the event is part of preparations for the 800th anniversary of the Christianization of the Karelians, to be celebrated in 2027.

As part of the lead-up to this milestone, the region is organizing festivals, exhibitions, book publications, and the establishment of spiritual and educational centers in Suoyarvi and Sortavala. Restoration work is also underway on historic buildings such as the House of the Mining Chief in Petrozavodsk, alongside the construction of a new cultural center in Lahdenpohja.

The icon project is supported by the government of Karelia and created by the company Kam, known for its mastery in Florentine mosaic techniques. The artwork blends regional heritage, religious symbolism, and traditional craftsmanship in a tribute to both faith and local identity.