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Funerals
Jesus says, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.”
(John 11:25-26, quoted from the New Revised Standard Version)
Christian funeral rites are often called siunaus (”blessing”) in Finnish, but they are not magic rituals for having an effect on a dead person. Funeral rites are not a sacrament, either. A Christian funeral is an expression of faith in a time of sorrow. We pray and hear God's word. When we arrange a funeral and come together for the occasion, we can also support and comfort each other and show respect to the one who has passed away.
Following pages on this website (menu on the left) give practical instructions for arranging a funeral in Finland, describe what happens on the day of the funeral (and afterwards), and provide information on the cemeteries of the Vantaa Parish Union