Admiral Martyn Petrovich von Dezin, commander of the Arkhangelsk port, actively supported the construction of the cemetery church on Solombala Island. In honor of his heavenly patron, Pope Martin the Confessor, the new church was consecrated, although it was initially planned to be dedicated to the Resurrection of Lazarus.

In the late 17th century, Peter I established a shipyard on Solombala Island, and later the Admiralty settlement appeared here. Therefore, Admiral von Dezin, the military governor of the Pomor capital, could not remain indifferent to the construction of a church in such a significant location.

The fate of this experienced naval officer is remarkable: throughout his career, he often found himself in awkward situations but always emerged unscathed. For example, during the Battle of Gogland against the Swedes, while commanding the vanguard of Admiral S. K. Greig's squadron, his actions displeased Greig. In his report, Greig noted that under von Dezin's command, the battle began prematurely, and two ships quickly retreated. As a result, his subordinates were demoted, while the admiral was forgiven and reinstated.

When von Dezin served in Arkhangelsk, the mortality rate in the naval hospital sharply increased. An investigation revealed numerous violations, and several of his subordinates were punished, while the admiral lost his positions. However, he was later forgiven and received full pay after his dismissal.

The church built by the admiral became popular not only among sailors. Merchants, craftsmen, soldiers, and peasants donated not only church utensils but also entire iconostases with expensive adornments to the parish. Church records preserve many names of benefactors of the Solombala church.

Surprisingly, the Bolsheviks did not close this church, and it remained the only functioning parish in Arkhangelsk during the Soviet years. Moreover, icons from closed churches, including the miraculous image of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos and the myrrh-streaming icon of the Mother of God "Quick to Hear," were brought here. The church continues to operate today, attracting many parishioners.