Funeral

The entire course of life appears in a new light when death comes close to us.  According to our Christian faith, however, God's love conquers even death.  As Christians we see our loved ones off to rest in the hope of resurrection and new life.


A funeral service may be held in a church or chapel or outdoors at an open grave. In Finland there is no hurry to make arrangements. A funeral service is usually held two or three weeks after death.

► More detailed information can be found in the brochure Guide to Funeral Preparations, published by the Vantaa parishes in 2016. Available as a pdf file (right click to download).

► Contact your local parish for more information.

There are also private undertakers who assist in funeral arrangements for a fee.  In Finland, however, undertakers do not act as directors in the funeral service – that is done by church custodians and pastors.

Support for the bereaved

Local parishes arrange groups led by pastors and diaconal workers in which people who have lost loved ones can meet each other and share their experiences. Parishes also provide personal counseling: you can speak privately with a church worker if you feel like it.

► More information in English on the website of the Evangelical Lutheran Church

A close-up of a person carrying a coffin.