On 6 February 2022, the seventieth anniversary of her accession, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II became the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee. Celebrations are taking place across the UK, the Commonwealth and the Diocese in Europe to mark 70 years of service. Churches are at the heart of bringing communities together to celebrate this historic occasion. Her Majesty has visited over 40 locations in the Diocese on State Visits and Commonwealth Visits during her reign – including, of course, Finland! For our Church and many others, the Queen’s devotion to service and her steadfast faith, are a source of inspiration and cause for celebration.
We invite you to join us in marking this historic anniversary at Helsinki Cathedral on Friday 3rd June! Come and enjoy a wonderful selection of music, paying tribute to HM the Queen’s coronation and some of her favourite hymns. A rousing rendition of ‘Zadok the Priest’ promises to be a high point in the service. This event is kindly supported by the British Embassy and we look forward to hearing an address by The Ambassador of the United Kingdom, Mrs Theresa Bubbear OBE. We are also delighted and honoured to be welcoming representatives from Commonwealth countries, as we celebrate our many connections and shared values.
At the service we will be giving away a beautifully illustrated book ‘Our Faithful Queen’ as a lasting memento of the Platinum Jubilee! The service is followed by a small reception in the Cathedral Crypt – please join us for a glass of prosecco to celebrate with one another! Places are limited so vouchers will be handed out to the first hundred guests at the Cathedral.
We are grateful to St Nicholas’ Foundation for funding this special event. A charitable organisation, the foundation seeks to raise funds for/distribute grants to local Anglican congregations or other organisations that support Anglican worship and ministry in Finland. To find out more about the work of St Nicholas’ Foundation please visit their website: https://www.stnicholasfoundation.fi/
The service lasts approximately 45 minutes and takes place in Helsinki Cathedral, by kind permission of the Dean of Helsinki.
We also have an informal Platinum Jubilee Tea Party starting at 11.30am on Sunday 5th June! Weather permitting we intend to be in the courtyard of Mikael Agricola Church. Come and enjoy some traditional finger food, cakes, scones and tea! You can also head to our ‘Selfie Station’ and make the most of our fun props to create a memorable photo! We have some musical entertainment starting around 12 noon and there will be garden games and activities for children, including origami and face painting. The event is FREE and all are welcome!
