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St. Nikolay Mirikliiski Church, or the Russian Church, as it is typically referred to in Sofia, was put up back in 1913, after the architectural style of 17th century Moscow temples. This fact to some extent explains the exotic looks of the church.

The interior, too, is shaped after the Moscow churches of the 17th century, housing the works of a number of well-known Russian artists, Prof. Nikolay Rostovtsev among them, as well as some of the builders of St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, located next to the Russian church in Sofia.

Originally built as a church of the legation of the Russian Empire to Bulgaria, after the Communist October Revolution in Russia in 1917, the church became a Bulgarian temple. The gates of the church were partially demolished by the bombings during the Second World War.

Many of the frescoes are partly painted in oils, this is why they are very vivid and rich in color. Thus, the image of Jesus Christ, although situated on top, is brightest, as compared to the other figures. The gilt altar gates, or the Holy Gates, with their 6 small arks – in the form of five-dome churches - are extremely beautiful and precious. They are modeled after samples of the 16th century model preserved at St. John the Theologian church, near the town of Rostov, Russia.

The exterior architecture of the temple is also very impressive. The central dome, with its 4 smaller symmetrical domes, typical of Russian church architecture, rise up high on top of the main body of the church. All domes are gilt.

The crypt of the church is also a huge attraction for tourists. It houses the mortal remains of Archbishop Serafim Sobolev, who would head the Russian orthodox parishes in Bulgaria and who died back in 1950. By a tradition, visitors write down their wishes and prayers for health, healing and luck and place the notes in a special tiny chest in the crypt. It is believed their prayers will be heard and answered.

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