Easter Season at Espoo Parishes is Rich Musically and Spiritually

Final Concerts Before Cathedral Renovation

This Easter offers a unique opportunity to attend concerts at Espoo Cathedral before it closes for renovations. The church hall will fall silent for approximately two years, with worship and events moving to nearby chapels and churches during that time.  List of classical concerts featured below. 

“Easter events have always drawn large crowds. Some concerts have been so popular that we’ve had to close the doors before they even began,” says Sheldon Ylioja, cantor of the Espoo Cathedral Parish. “Last year’s Good Friday Stabat Mater performance was completely full, with a particularly strong turnout from young adults. I expect the same this year”, he says.

In addition to concerts, many are expected to attend Holy Week services, including the traditional Good Friday Service, which will feature the popular vocal ensemble Munx Gregoriana, known for their medieval sacred music.

Something for All Ages

Palm Sunday and Holy Week include diverse events for all ages. Traditional Easter markets and craft events (also here) will be held throughout Espoo. Before the Holy Week, some highlights of activities:

Weekly Community Lunch, Olari Church, April 10th 12 noon
Community lunch weekly at Olari Church (Rälssitilankuja 1) every Thursday from 12 noon to 1PM. The upcoming lunch is scheduled for April 10.  Please note that there will be no lunch on April 17 due to Holy Week observances. The fee for the lunch is €4; exact change is appreciated. Tickets are sold from 11:45 to 12:30. If you are experiencing financial difficulties, you may request a voucher from a deacon or church worker present at the event.

Multicultural Women's Evening: Women Ambassadors of Transformation, Suvela Chapel, April 10th 6PM
Suvela Chapel (Kirstintie 24) warmly invites women from diverse backgrounds to a special evening of fellowship and prayer. This gathering offers a unique opportunity to connect with women from various cultures and communities. Enjoy coffee, tea, and shared meals in a warm, welcoming environment. And connect with multicultural worker Shazia Sabir and Pastor Marja Malvaranta. 

Multicultural Family Club, Suvela Chapel, April 11th 10AM 
Suvela Chapel (Kirstintie 24) in Espoo invites families to a Multicultural Family Club.The event offers a welcoming space for families of all backgrounds to connect, play, and share experiences. There will be activities for children, discussions for parents, and light refreshments. All families are warmly welcome!

Fellowship & Dance Party, Soukka Chapel, April 12th 5PM
Join the fun at Soukka Chapel (Soukankuja 3) for a Fellowship & Dance Party on Saturday, April 12th, starting at 5PM. This lively evening brings people together to enjoy music, dancing, and community spirit in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Everyone is invited, Come and be part of this joyful gathering! For details, contact Jukka Pelkonen at 040 580 4416.

Worship and Eucharist in Igbo and English, Kilonristi, Sunday April 13th, 4.30PM
You're warmly invited to a bilingual Worship and Eucharist Service in Igbo and English at Kilonristi (Vanharaide 1) on the 1st to 3rd Sundays of each month at 4:30 PM.Children are welcome and will have their own guided program during the service.  This inclusive service celebrates faith across cultures and languages. Come experience a joyful and spirit-filled gathering! The service is led by Anglican Pastor Isaac Ohaju. Contact: 044 019 7344. All are welcome!

PALM SUNDAY: Espoo International Lutheran Worship (EILW), Suvela Chapel, April 13th, 3PM
Join us for worship and fellowship this Palm Sunday! Espoo International Lutheran Worship Service at Suvela Chapel (Kirstintie 24) on Sunday, April 13th at 3PM. The service is bilingual, English-Finnish. Sunday school in Finnish during the service.

Holy Week at Espoo International Lutheran Church 

Meet the Church staff at Naapuruustalo Matinkylä, Thursday 17th April, 10AM
Come and meet the pastors and deacons of Olari Parish at Naapuruustalo Matinkylä (Matinkatu 7) on Thursday April 17th from 10AM to 11:30AM. 
You're warmly invited to stop by for a friendly chat or a personal conversation. Church staff are there to listen, connect, and support you.  Other spring dates are May 8 & 22. 
All are welcome!

Arabic Maundy Thursday Mass, Suvela Chapel, Thursday 17th April, 6PM
Suvela Chapel will host a Maundy Thursday Mass in Arabic on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 6PM. The service commemorates the Last Supper and offers Arabic speakers a chance to reflect and worship in their own language. All are welcome!

Easter Celebrations 

International Easter Sunday, Tapiola Church, Sunday 20th April, 5PM
Come and celebrate Easter together!  aster worship, Easter egg hunt and potluck after the service. The service is bilingual (Finnish-English), family-friendly. Supervised play area for kids available during the service. The service will be livestreamed on Tapiola Parish YouTube Channel. 

Ukrainian Easter, Chapple Iso Omena, Monday April 21st, 2PM
Ukrainian Easter at Chapple, located at Suomenlahdentie 1 (Iso Omena). The event will feature refreshments, activities, and Easter egg decorating.  All welcome! 

Easter Vigil Services Across Espoo – Saturday, April 19th, 11 PM
All Espoo parish churches will hold Easter Vigil services on Saturday, April 19 at 11 PM. At Karakappeli, visitors can gather around Easter bonfires before joining an Easter pilgrimage to Leppävaara Church. Pilgrims are welcome to travel by foot, bike, bus, or car. These services are in Finnish.

Please note: Parking is limited at churches and chapels. Whenever possible, visitors are encouraged to use public transportation or alternative travel options.

Highlights of Easter Season Concerts in Espoo Parishes

Saturday, April 12th, 6 PM – Espoonlahti Church. John Rutter's Requiem
Sunday, April 13th, 6 PM – Tapiola Church.Palm Sunday Concert
Sunday, April 13th, 7 PM – Espoo Cathedral. Palm Sunday Mozart Evening
Monday, April 14th, 6 PM – Leppävaara Church. F. Liszt: Via Crucis Concert
Wednesday, April 16th, 7 PM – Tapiola Church. Via Crucis Concert
Friday, April 18th, 3 PM – Espoo Cathedral. Pergolesi: Stabat Mater
Friday, April 18th, 6 PM – Olari Church. Dietrich Buxtehude: Membra Jesu Nostri

More information about tickets and other detail about the concerts (in Finnish)

Easter 2025 – Key Dates

•    Holy Week: April 14–20, 2025
•    Good Friday (Pitkäperjantai): April 18
•    Holy Saturday (Lankalauantai): April 19
•    Easter Sunday (Pääsiäissunnuntai): April 20
•    Easter Monday (Toinen pääsiäispäivä): April 21
•    Ascension Day (Helatorstai): May 29

For more information on all multicultal activities, check our website.