International work

The international work in the Evangelical-Lutheran parishes of Oulu provides services to all kinds of immigrants. Our task is to organize activities that cover practically every aspect of Christian life. Sunday masses, Bible studies and pastoral counseling are but a few examples of what we offer.

Our aim is to help foreigners in Finland to find their way into the church. At the moment we focus on services in different languages, pastoral counseling and supporting immigrants in becoming full members of the society. Currently there is mass in English and Arabic (Sudanese) on every Sunday and in Hungarian few times a year.

Our possibilities allow us to arrange services in German, French, Swahili, Turkish, Serbo-Croatian and several other languages. Our workers, priest, deacons and deaconesses are educated to provide high standard pastoral counseling. Immigration is not an easy path. If you feel the need to talk to someone and relieve the burden we are here to listen.

The Church made a decision to support people in unfavorable position and asylum seekers are often in such difficult situation. According to our possibilities we try to assist those foreigners who perceive that they are treated unjustly by officials.

The Lutheran and Anglican Churches are working side by side. They have common understanding of the ministry, the sacraments and the priesthood. Members of the Anglican Church are welcomed to the Lord's table in the services of the Oulu parishes. Read more about the joint ministry of the two Churches and about the Porvoo Agreement.

Priest for international work Árpád Kovács
Deacon for international work Salla Tuominen

In this booklet you find information about Church in Finland, congregations and Christian faith