12.12.2012

Ecumenical Christmas in Turku, Finland

The Ecumenical Christmas tradition started in 1994, which is when the first Ecumenical Christmas in Turku, Finland ceremony was organized. A joint appeal for world peace will be presented by the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, the Orthodox Church in Finland, the Catholic Church in Finland, and one of the churches representing the liberal traditions.

In 1998, the Ecumenical Christmas tradition was complemented by a humanitarian message.  A widely known and highly respected person or organisation will be invited to deliver the message. The invitee is someone who has made a significant contribution to building and maintaining world peace, or repairing the aftermath of war. 

The Finnish Broadcasting Company, YLE, will televise the Ecumenical Christmas in Turku, Finland ceremony, which will take place at the Turku Cathedral. The programme will be aired on YLE TV 1 on Christmas Eve before the Declaration of Christmas Peace.