The events in Ukraine have shocked people across the globe, including people in Finland and Rovaniemi.
- If we must find something good about the terrible events in Ukraine, then helping Ukrainians has made local congregations strengthen their cooperation, says the student pastor in Rovaniemi parish, Jan Pohjonen.
Jan Pohjonen says that the crisis in Ukraine has affected activities in Rovaniemi parish in many ways.
- The war in Ukraine has revealed something about our humanity, which we have perhaps wanted to forget. As the war in Ukraine came on top of stress about the coronavirus, the burden has been heavy for many. In short, the situation in Ukraine has come up in my work as increased need for conversation, says Pohjonen.
“Everyone is equal”
- In the daily work of the parish, the crisis in Ukraine is of course also visible in the arrival of Ukrainian refugees in Rovaniemi. Those fleeing the war in Ukraine receive help from the parish in the same spirit of charity as all other residents of Rovaniemi. When a person from Ukraine takes part in for instance a food drive organised by diaconal work, they are not asked which church they belong to, as this is not asked of Finnish-speakers either. To us – and to God – everyone is equal.
On September 1, 2022 it will be 150 years since the first deaconess, Matilda Hoffman, was ordained into office in Finland. To honour this, we are celebrating diaconal work this year. The focus of the celebrations are especially the post of deacon/ess, professional diaconal work and all agents in diaconal work. Every Christian can practice diaconal work in their own way as everyday charity. Diaconal work in the parish is an important agent in providing opportunities for participation and volunteer work. A diaconal church inspires and prepares parishes and their members to practice charity and to promote a humane life.
International and ecumenical prayer service for peace and meal on May 28th at 5 p.m. (Orthodox Parish premises, Ounasvaarantie 16) The service is organized jointly by the Lutheran, Orthodox and Pentecostal Parishes of Rovaniemi. Welcome! Additional information: Jan Pohjonen, 040 186 0223
Holy Happening and Family Sunday service at the Chapel of Ounasrinne on Sunday 5th of June at 3 p.m. After the Sunday service, there will togetherness and a little food serving. Please bring your own sweeties if needed. Event will be also partly in English.
Christening day in Rovaniemi in September – we warmly welcome you!
The 2022 christening day will be held at the Church Hill on Sunday 3 September. In the Rovaniemi christening day the pastors on duty will be Miia Raninen, Karita Kaukonen and Aki Hätinen:
- We invite all non-christened children to the christening celebration, including small babies and anyone under the age of 15! The child can be christened and taken as a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church if at least one of the parents is a member of the church.
The children baptised on the christening day will have a fine celebration. The Rovaniemi parish will offer the families and godparents coffee and cake.
Registrations before August 12th 2022, please – Rovaniemi parish office: kirkkoherranvirasto.rovaniemi@evl.fi
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