Turku Cathedral – A Living Church

Turku Cathedral is the mother church of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland and the country’s national shrine. It also serves as the seat of the Archbishop of Finland.

The cathedral held the same role during Finland’s Catholic era (until 1527) and has remained the mother church of Finland throughout the Protestant era following the Reformation.

Approximately 64% of Finns are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland. Most of the funding required to maintain the church comes from church taxes, which are collected from members alongside state and municipal taxes.

Denomination

The Evangelical Lutheran Church is the largest Christian denomination in Finland. To learn more about its beliefs and organization, visit the English-language website of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland.

Turku and Kaarina Parish Union

Turku Cathedral is the home church of the Turku Cathedral Parish. The Turku and Kaarina area comprises 10 parishes, which together form the Turku and Kaarina Parish Union. Parish membership is based on place of residence, while Swedish-speaking residents belong to Åbo svenska församling.

Most events in the cathedral are organized by Turku Cathedral Parish and Åbo svenska församling. Additionally, the Turku Cathedral International Congregation operates under the Turku Cathedral Parish, serving the international community.