The Saint John the Baptist Russian Orthodox Church in Narrabundah is affectionately referred to as "the onion church" because of its distinctive onion-shaped dome, which can also be seen by traffic on Canberra Avenue.

Scaffolding is now up around the dome as the church repairs hail damage from the massive storm in January 2020.

But it is also taking the opportunity to add some extra shine to the dome, albeit now waiting until lockdown restrictions have eased.

Dean of the cathedral is Archpriest Alex Morozow who says the dome is made from anodised aluminium and repairers have been inching towards it.

"They're working their way up towards the big onion dome, which will have to be repaired, too," he said.

"Originally, that dome started out gold. It was anodised to a gold colour and then it had to be bent into shape and that broke the anodising bond and over the years it has broken back down to the aluminium colour.

"Our big plan when we get to it, if we can, is to restore the gold. We'll probably have to use something like an automotive lacquer finish."

Building of the church, in Matina Street, began in 1974 and was officially completed in 1988.

This latest work has stopped and started.

"We're getting there but Covid and the weather hasn't helped," Father Alex said.