In an unprecedented event, a new Orthodox prayer room, or tsasouna, is being built in Saarijärvi, a rarity in Finland as both Evangelical Lutheran and Orthodox churches have struggled with excess space in recent years. The last new tsasouna constructed in the country was decades ago, highlighting the significance of this development. Metropolitan Arseni of the Diocese of Kuopio and Karelia emphasized the uniqueness of this occasion during his recent site visit to the construction site.

The necessity for a new prayer room arises from a tragic incident last August when the previously central Orthodox tsasouna was destroyed by fire. The community was shaken by this loss, and the local police are investigating the fire as an act of arson, under serious damage charges. According to Crime Commissioner Veli-Pekka Välisaari, the investigation is currently stalled due to the lack of suspects identified during the preliminary investigation.

This construction project not only serves as a replacement for the lost prayer room but also revitalizes community faith and connection to the Orthodox traditions in the region. As such, it reflects the resilience of the local Orthodox community in the face of adversity, marking a hopeful new beginning for their spiritual practices in Saarijärvi.