Alexander Bertash’s book makes a significant contribution to the understudied topic of Russian Orthodox church construction in the Baltic region during the late imperial period. Through comprehensive multi-archival research, this study not only examines the design of Orthodox churches but also provides a nuanced overview of the political and cultural colonization processes at play on the Empire's periphery.

Bertash highlights how Estonians and Latvians formed church congregations and utilized these churches for worship, thereby creating a new communal identity. This lavishly illustrated volume presents the history of Orthodox architecture in the Baltics with unprecedented depth and detail, making it an invaluable resource for those interested in the dynamics of Russian Orthodoxy beyond the borders of Russia.