The Russian church in South Tyrol appeared in the late 19th century when these lands were part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. From the mid-19th century, the small town of Merano became a popular resort, attracting Russians with its mild weather and picturesque Alpine landscapes.

In the 1870s, a Russian colony already existed in Merano. To support Russian vacationers and assist them, including finding affordable housing, a private charitable society of Russian residents in Merano, known as the Russian Committee, was established in 1875. It was funded by donations, mainly from local doctors.

Russians coming to Merano for treatment needed not only housing but also Orthodox services. For many tuberculosis patients, religious feelings intensified due to the awareness of life's fragility. Far from their homeland and in a foreign cultural environment, they experienced nostalgia for Russia. This prompted the committee to engage in the creation of a church. In 1884, the Russian Committee, led by physician Mikhail von Messing, appealed to Metropolitan Isidore for a blessing to establish an Orthodox parish in Merano in the name of St. Nicholas.

The dedication of the church to St. Nicholas was symbolic, as he was one of the most revered saints in Russia. Archpriest John of Kronstadt, known as the 'father of all Russia,' supported the establishment of the church with his authority, although no specific documents regarding his participation have been found. Today's parishioners consider him their heavenly patron alongside St. Nicholas.

Initially, the church was located in a rented space at Villa Stefani, but it soon became clear that more space was needed. The daughter of a court councilor, Nadezhda Borodina, unable to cope with her illness, bequeathed a significant sum for the construction of a sanatorium for sick Russians. In 1897, the construction of the Russian House named after Borodina was completed, and the church was placed on the top floor of the wing, adorned with a dome and cross in the Russian style.

The solemn consecration of the new church took place on December 3/15, on the eve of the feast of St. Nicholas. Russians from all neighboring Tyrolean resorts gathered in Merano for this event. The church was overcrowded, and among the visitors were not only Orthodox but also representatives of local authorities.

The Russian House named after Borodina became a true corner of Russia: Russian newspapers were read here, Russian food was prepared, and after the service, a samovar was served for traditional tea drinking.

World War I in 1914 interrupted the peaceful life of the parish, and Merano became inaccessible to Russians. In the 20th century, the parish underwent many trials, and the Nicholas Church was nearly destroyed. However, since the early 1990s, the revival of Orthodox life began. On June 9, 1991, rare services resumed in the church, and in 2002, the Orthodox community of the Moscow Patriarchate was registered. The first Easter service was conducted by Hieromonk Arseny (Sokolov).

On May 23, 2006, Hieromonk Alexy (Nikonorov) was appointed the spiritual mentor of the community, and since then, services have been held regularly, every first and third Sunday of the month.