A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols

for 1 hour, 15 mins
Helsinki Cathedral / Helsingin tuomiokirkko
Helsinki Cathedral / Helsingin tuomiokirkko, Unioninkatu 29, Helsinki, 00170, Finland

Join us with family and friends for a festive evening of traditional English carols, anthems, and readings at Helsinki Cathedral.
The format of this service is based on an order drawn up by Edward Benson, later Archbishop of Canterbury but at that time Bishop of Truro, for use on Christmas Eve (24th December) 1880. Tradition says that he organized a 10 p.m. service in a wooden shed which then served as his cathedral in Truro and that the purpose of the service was to keep men out of the pubs!
The original liturgy has since been adapted and used by other churches all over the world. Numerous Christian denominations have adopted this service, or a variation of this service, as part of their Christmas celebrations. In Finland, this would be 'Kauneimmat joululaulut'.
The best-known version, of course, is the annual broadcast from King's College, Cambridge! Our service follows that same order which can also be found in Common Worship: Times and Seasons of the Church of England. The tradition of this Festival in Helsinki by the Anglican Church in Finland dates back, at least, to the 1960s.
Doors to the cathedral will open at 6.15pm.
The service is led by The Rev'd Maria Obafemi-Onuigbo, Chaplain at St Nicholas' Anglican Church in Helsinki
The Service is sung by St Nicholas Chamber Choir & the Children's Choir of the International School of Music
The Choir is conducted by Erik Johannes Riekko
The organ is played by Kadri Toomoja

St Nicholas' Anglican Church, Helsinki

We are a diverse and inclusive community, with people of many cultures, ages and nationalities joining together in worship and friendship. Our services are in English and follow the liturgy of the Church of England, accompanied by wonderful choral music from our Music director and choir. Our Sunday School and Youth Group which meet regularly on Sunday mornings and help to lead our monthly All-Age services.  Whether you are living in Finland or just visiting, we welcome you! 

St Nicholas is the ‘mother congregation’ of the Anglican Chaplaincy in Finland. We are based at Mikael Agricola Kirkko in central Helsinki. Anglican services in English are available in four other cities: Espoo, Tampere, Turku and Lappeenranta. We belong to the Church of England’s Diocese in Europe.

Our regular services include the Sung Eucharist on Sundays at 10:00am at Mikael Agricola Church, and monthly All-Age Services and Evensongs.  For weekly updates on services, events and community news you can subscribe to our weekly newsletter on our website www.anglican.fi.



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Rev'd Maria Obafemi-Onuigbo

The Anglican Church in Finland
Tehtaankatu 23 B
Helsinki

00150 Helsinki

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What's on

A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols

for 1 hour, 15 mins
Helsinki Cathedral / Helsingin tuomiokirkko
Helsinki Cathedral / Helsingin tuomiokirkko, Unioninkatu 29, Helsinki, 00170, Finland

Join us with family and friends for a festive evening of traditional English carols, anthems, and readings at Helsinki Cathedral.
The format of this service is based on an order drawn up by Edward Benson, later Archbishop of Canterbury but at that time Bishop of Truro, for use on Christmas Eve (24th December) 1880. Tradition says that he organized a 10 p.m. service in a wooden shed which then served as his cathedral in Truro and that the purpose of the service was to keep men out of the pubs!
The original liturgy has since been adapted and used by other churches all over the world. Numerous Christian denominations have adopted this service, or a variation of this service, as part of their Christmas celebrations. In Finland, this would be 'Kauneimmat joululaulut'.
The best-known version, of course, is the annual broadcast from King's College, Cambridge! Our service follows that same order which can also be found in Common Worship: Times and Seasons of the Church of England. The tradition of this Festival in Helsinki by the Anglican Church in Finland dates back, at least, to the 1960s.
Doors to the cathedral will open at 6.15pm.
The service is led by The Rev'd Maria Obafemi-Onuigbo, Chaplain at St Nicholas' Anglican Church in Helsinki
The Service is sung by St Nicholas Chamber Choir & the Children's Choir of the International School of Music
The Choir is conducted by Erik Johannes Riekko
The organ is played by Kadri Toomoja

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Safeguarding

"St Nicholas' Church is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults from harm. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO). Our Diocese of Europe’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor who advises our PSO. If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the PSO [[email protected]] or the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor [[email protected] ]. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority’s children or adult social care services."