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Life events and funerals

The Turku International Congregation is there for you during life’s major milestones.

A baby on a woman's shoulder looks straight in to the camera.
The feet of a bride and groom standing opposite each other.
A hand placing a read rose on a white casket.

Baptism

Baptisms are possible in many different languages or bilingually (Finnish or Swedish and another language) in Turku and Kaarina.

If you would like to have your child baptized, be baptized yourself, or if your family is in need of any other pastoral service, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Reservations, please contact:
+358 40 341 7011
turku.varauspalvelu@evl.fi
Mon–Fri from 9 am to 3 pm

For more information, please contact:
Rev. Tuomas Vaura
tuomas.vaura@evl.fi

Kastemaljaan kaadetaan kannulla vettä.

Weddings

In the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, a couple can be married in a church wedding if both the bride and groom are confirmed members of the Church.

A couple can also have a church wedding if one of them belongs to the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland and the other belongs to another Christian denomination, including the following:

  • The Orthodox Church
  • The Catholic Church
  • The Pentecostal Church
  • The Seventh Day Adventist Church
  • The Evangelical Free Church
  • The Baptist Church

If a couple has a civil marriage, their marriage can also be blessed in a church if at least one of them is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland. The blessing of a civil marriage is possible even when the other spouse is not a member of any Christian church.

Reservations, please contact:
+358 40 341 7011
turku.varauspalvelu@evl.fi
Mon–Fri from 9 am to 3 pm

For more information, please contact:
Rev. Tuomas Vaura
tuomas.vaura@evl.fi

Nainen ja mies käsi kädessä.

Funerals

The central message of Christianity is that life does not end with death. We have the promise of eternal life: death is the gateway into the abiding presence and love of God, in whose hands we may confidently place all our burdens.

In Finland, funerals usually take place about two or three weeks after a person has died. The funeral may be held at the graveside, at the home of the deceased, or in a church, chapel or hospital chapel. Details of where the service is to be held should be discussed with the pastor.

After a funeral, there is usually a gathering in the parish hall or other suitable place, at which memories are shared and relatives and friends support and comfort each other. Parishes usually have facilities that are very suitable for such occasions. These facilities can accommodate large gatherings, and have all the tables, chairs, tablecloths and crockery necessary. The facilities are available to parishioners free of charge or at minimal cost.

Reservations, please contact:
+358 40 341 7253
turku.hautatoimi@evl.fi
Service Center: Eerikinkatu 3, 20100 Turku
Mon–Fri from 9 am to 2 pm

For more information, please contact:
Rev. Tuomas Vaura
tuomas.vaura@evl.fi

Arkku, jonka päällä vaalea peite. Taustalla kivinen alttari, jonka päällä on risti ja kynttilöitä.