Scan Magazine

By Emelie Krugly

The Finnish Church in Albion Street serves the 15,000 Finns in London with an array of services, activities and facilities; one of them is a typical Finnish Sauna!

The church also has its own cafeteria where you can enjoy “the best cinnamon buns in the town”, open sandwiches, and Carelian pies, but you will also find all this and more at the forthcoming Christams Fair.

Christmas celebrations
The time up to Christmas is very busy at the Finnish Church, but still Port Chaplain, Teemu Hälli looks forward to the celebrations. “On 29 November we have the carol service and on Christmas day we conduct a very emotional service, certain hymns cause people to shed a tear,” he says adding: “It’s a day when you think about your loved ones back home, it is hard for some to be abroad and we’re here to support them through that.”
The church also offers services to the Finns outside London and throughout the year Hälli travels around the UK conducting services.

History and mission
The Finnish Church was established in 1882, with the present building opening in 1958. This was renovated in 2006 and at the church’s cosy cafeteria Hälli explains that the goal was to achieve a homely atmosphere, to make it feel like a Finnish living room.
“I like to see our church as a meeting point, where people share their highs and lows or simply take a break with a cup of coffee.”
Hälli hails from a small community in Finland, but stresses that though there are huge contrasts, “people are people and no matter where we live in the world we’ll always share certain key issues like existential questions.”

Facts about the Finnish Church
The Finnish Church in London has 50,000 visitors every year
Around 7,000 visitors are due to visit the Christmas Fair this year
The church shop, Finnshop, is popular, selling much loved Finish consumables, toys and handicrafts.
- The nearest tube: Canada Water station on the Jubilee Line
For more details visit: www.finnishchurch.org.uk

The Finnish Church’s Christmas Fair takes place from November 20 to November 28 starting at 12 midday all days (for closing times visit website listed below) at the Finnish Church in London, 33 Albion Street, London SE16 7HZ