In 1834 the first Orthodox parish was established in Warsaw and a decision was made to set up a cemetery for the community.

The Roman Catholic parish of St. Lawrence was then turned into an Orthodox church, by decree of the Tsar himself.

The second 'zone' included the graves of lower rank officers, clerks and wealthy merchants.

The third 'zone' housed the graves of soldiers and members of the bourgeoisie, while the poorest were buried in the area furthest from the church.

On All Saint's Day, processions of the Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches take place there, preceded by an ecumenical service conducted by priests from both congregations.