The Church of St. Equal-to-the-Apostles Mary Magdalene, an Orthodox church in Darmstadt, was built at the initiative of Nicholas II and Alexandra Feodorovna, born Princess of Hesse-Darmstadt. They wanted to have the opportunity to attend an Orthodox church during their stay in the empress's hometown. The laying of the permanent church took place on October 4, 1897, conducted by Protopresbyter Ioann Yanishev in the presence of the imperial and ducal families. Soil brought from several provinces of the Russian Empire was laid at the foundation of the church.