Orthodox services are open to everyone. You can come to church for the first time without any prior knowledge and without registering. Times and places are in the service calendar.
The services and their names
Liturgy
The Liturgy is the communion service of the Orthodox Church. Everyone is welcome to the Liturgy; however, the Communion, the body and blood of Christ, can only be partaken by members of the Orthodox Church. Many liturgical forms are used in the Orthodox Tradition; in Finland, the Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom is used most often.
At the Orthodox Parish of Turku the Liturgy is served regularly on Sundays and feast days at 10.
All-Night Vigil
An All-Night Vigil is a service that is served on the eves of feast days and often also on Saturdays. It consists of Vespers, Matins and the First Hour. The All-Night Vigil lasts approximately two hours.
At the Orthodox Parish of Turku the All-Night Vigil is served regularly on Saturdays and on the eves of feast days at 17.
Vespers
Vespers last about 45 minutes and is served in the evening, excluding a few exceptions in the cycle of the church year. Vespers can also be combined with Matins, and this combination makes up the All-Night Vigil.
At the Orthodox Parish of Turku Vespers are served on Wednesdays at 17.
Matins
The content of Matins is about the events of the New Testament and the resurrection of Christ. Matins can be served either in the morning or in the evening together with Vespers as an All-Night Vigil.
Akathist
An Akathist is a hymn sung standing to the Theotokos, to Christ or to a particular saint. In the service calendar of the parish, “Akathist” without other specifications means an Akathist to the Theotokos.
An Akathist is sung in the Parish of Turku about once a month, usually on Wednesday at 17.
Evening Prayer
Pravilo, a prayer rule, is a collection of prayers that includes introductory prayers, evening prayers and other prayers.
Evening prayer is served at the parish about once a month on Wednesday at 17.
Church coffee
In our parish, it is a tradition to gather for a shared moment after the service. On Sundays and after major feast days, we offer church coffee – a warm and welcoming occasion to meet familiar faces and new ones, exchange news, and enjoy time together. Church coffee is an important part of our parish’s sense of community and is open to everyone.
Church coffee is mainly organised by volunteers. A voluntary contribution is important, as it helps activity groups raise funds for their work and makes it possible for the gatherings to continue. The voluntary nature of the payment ensures that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, can take part. In Turku, Salo and Rauma, the contribution can also be paid by bank card.
If you have not previously organised church coffee but would be interested in taking part in arranging it, please contact the parish: turku@ort.fi, 044 751 4423.
If you want to know more
You can ask more about the Orthodox faith from a priest of the parish or from the parish office (turku@ort.fi). If you are considering joining the Church, see Join the Church.