Sacraments

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland recognises two sacraments that are visible signs of God’s grace: Baptism and Holy Communion.

Baptism

Through baptism, we join God’s family, the community of Christian believers, and the local church. It symbolises the washing away of sins and becoming a new creation in Jesus. The ritual is performed by sprinkling water and invoking the Holy Trinity: ‘I baptise you in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.’ It is based on the Great Commission that Jesus gave his disciples (Matthew 28:16–20). 

In the Lutheran Church, parents are encouraged to have their newborn children baptised without unnecessary delay. However, there are no age limits for baptism. Read more about baptism. 

Holy Communion

Also called the Lord’s Supper or the Eucharist, Holy Communion re-lives Jesus' Last Supper with his disciples. Christians partake of bread and wine, representing Christ’s body and blood given for the forgiveness of sins. This sacrament is central to our worship and is celebrated regularly. A service with Holy Communion is called Holy Mass.