Finnish Orthodox Church

Young Finns increasingly converting to Orthodoxy, says Finnish abbot

In an interview with Yle.fi, the young abbot of New Valaam Monastery, Archimandrite Mikael Nummela, said that young people between 18 and 30 increasingly convert to Orthodoxy in Finland. The abbot leads weekly discussions with young individuals who are contemplating the vocation of monasticism or converting to Orthodoxy. In recent decades, New Valaam has had…

Apr 16, 2024Aurelian Iftimiu

In pictures: Helsinki Uspenski Cathedral hosts episcopal consecration for first time in over 50 years

The former abbot of Valaam Monastery, Archimandrite Sergei Rayapolvi, became the first bishop ordained at Helsinki’s Dormition of the Theotokos Cathedral since 1969. The Divine Liturgy and the ordination were celebrated on Sunday, January 16, 2022, by Archbishop Leo of Helsinki and All Finland, Metropolitan Arseni of Kuopio and Karelia, and Metropolitan Elia of Oulu.…

Jan 26, 2022Aurelian Iftimiu

Young Orthodox show solidarity with Finland’s Jewish community after anti-Semitic incidents

A group of Orthodox youth joined the Finnish community leaders who gathered at the gates of the Helsinki Synagogue to lay bouquets of flowers in a show of solidarity with Finland’s Jewish community, which has been subjected to a spike in anti-Semitic attacks this year. The action was prompted in part by a recent incident…

Nov 29, 2019Aurelian Iftimiu

Relics of Saint John of Valaam exhumed at New Valaam Monastery in Finland

On November 29, the Holy Synod of the Patriarchate of Constantinople announced its decision to glorify among the saints Schema-Elder John of Valaam (1873-1958) at the proposal of the Finnish Orthodox Church. The liturgical proclamation of this glorification was celebrated this year on June 1 at the Holy Transfiguration-New Valaam Monastery in Heinävesi by Metropolitan…

Oct 23, 2019Aurelian Iftimiu

Finnish Orthodox Church to honor exemplary mothers

Since 1994, the Finnish Orthodox Church under the Ecumenical Patriarchate has celebrated the achievements of the mothers among its flock. Mothers who have served the work of the Church in various ways, by educating, guiding, supporting and participating are annually awarded. All of the recipients are women who have their Orthodox faith at the center…

Feb 1, 2018Gheorghe Anghel