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Funeral

Christians believe that death is not the end. We trust in eternal life and God’s love. After death, we are in God’s care.

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When and where are funerals held?

In Finland, funerals usually happen 2 to 3 weeks after a person dies.

A funeral service can take place:

  • In a church

  • In a chapel

  • At the cemetery

  • In the home or hospital chapel

Talk to the pastor to decide the place.

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Who can have a church funeral?

All Church members have the right to have a church funeral.

Non-members may also have one if their family requests it and if it respects the wishes of the deceased.

In some special cases, a pastor from another church may lead the funeral, if agreed with the local Lutheran vicar.

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Steps after someone has died

  • Inform friends and family

  • A doctor writes a death certificate and gives a burial permit

  • The family contacts the parish or cemetery office to:

    Choose the date, place, pastor and musician (cantor). A burial plot is also obtained through the parish or cemetery office.

  • The pastor meets the family to plan the service

  • The cantor helps choose music

  • The funeral director (private company) helps with:

    Coffin or urn, clothes for the deceased and transport (hearse).

  • Prepare the memorial gathering (location, food, decorations)

  • Newspaper notice (optional)

  • Bring a photo, flowers, and candles for the memorial table

  • Choose and prepare the coffin or urn

  • Choose pallbearers (usually 6 people)

  • After the funeral:

    Estate paperwork (called probate), temporary cross for the grave, purchase a headstone, thank-you notes and decide on grave maintenance.

Burial and Cremation

In Finland, both burial and cremation are common and accepted.

Burial
  • Everyone, even non-religious people, can be buried in a parish cemetery
  • The price is the same as in public cemeteries
  • In cities, cremation is more common due to space limits
Cremation

How Cremation Works:

  • The funeral happens before the cremation
  • The coffin stays in the chapel and is then sent to the crematorium
  • After about a week, the ashes are returned to the family

Ashes must be buried or scattered within one year.

They can be:

  • Placed in a family grave, urn plot, or columbarium
  • Scattered in a cemetery garden or on water, with permission

A short prayer can be said when placing the urn or scattering the ashes. This can be done by a pastor or family member.

What happens after the funeral?

After the funeral, family and friends usually gather to:

  • Share memories

  • Support each other

This gathering is often in the parish hall or another suitable place. The parish may provide tables, dishes, and space for free or for a small fee.

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Help and support

If you need help:

  • Contact your local parish

  • They can support you with planning, paperwork, and comfort

  • You can also ask for help with funeral costs from the municipal social services

You are not alone during this time. The Church is here to support you with care and compassion.

One person is holding a hand on another person's hand.