Our participation in the festival is centred on dialogue. Rather than offering ready-made answers, we want to create a space for questions, and invite people to pause and reflect: What does freedom mean to me, to us – and what kind of freedom do we want to build for the future? 

​Mass of Freedom – Multilingual Festival Worship Service  

 On Sunday 17 May the Bio Rex Speaker's stage will host once again the popular Multilingual Festival Worship Service, Mass of Freedom at 11 AM. The main languages of the worship service are Finnish and English, but it is organised together with members of  different congregational language communities.  Come enjoy the community spirit!

Kamppi Chapel Programme 16 and 17 May 2026: Long live freedom – to believe, to hope and to love! 

Step into Kamppi Chapel! Throughout the festival weekend, the chapel offers a lot of programme for all. Come and explore the many dimensions of freedom through workshops, talks, Yoga of Stillness® and the chapel’s unique atmosphere. The chapel also serves as a quiet place during the festival.  

For children, there are craft activities and a “wheel of fortune.”  The chapel also offers information in several languages about the Lutheran Church activities in the Helsinki metropolitan area. Activities are available in Arabic, Finnish,  English, Chinese, Estonian, Swedish and Russian. 

Programme:

Saturday 16 May, 11 AM to 9 PM

11 AM to 12.15 The chapel is open for quiet reflection and for experiencing its unique architecture. 
12.30 PM to 1.30 PM Craft workshop for children. This event is in English, Russian and Finnish. 
1.45 PM to 3.30 PM Walk in -mediation simulation. 
In this simulation, you can try out how mediation principles can be used to resolve different conflict situations. The workshop uses the method of restorative mediation, which is also applied internationally in various conflict contexts. Producer #Sovinto.  
4 PM to 4.30 PM Yoga of Stillness®. The Yoga of Stillness® is a Christian practice rooted in gentle yoga movements as well as the ancient Christian mystical tradition and wordless prayer. Instructor: Hanna Vuollo 
6.30 PM to 7 PM Peace Choir performs, Arabic parishioners  
7 PM to 9 PM  The chapel is open for quiet reflection and for experiencing its unique architecture 

Sunday 17 May, 11 AM to 7 PM

11:00–12:15 The chapel is open for quiet reflection and for experiencing its unique architecture 

12:30–14:30 Urban Pilgrimage in the Hietaniemi area. 
A guided walk of about two hours with reflective stops considering the meaning of freedom from different perspectives. Part of the journey is walked in silence. Walk free from everyday obligations and let the rhythm of movement calm your mind. Departure from the Narinkkatori-side entrance of Kamppi Chapel. Guides: Lea Purhonen, Martti Paananen and Tiina Palmu. Welcome! 

12:30–13:30 Craft workshop for children. This event is in English, Russian and Finnish 

14:00–14:30 Yoga of Stillness®. The Yoga of Stillness® is a Christian practice rooted in gentle yoga movements as well as the ancient Christian mystical tradition and wordless prayer. Instructor: Hanna Vuollo 

18:00–19:00 The chapel is open for quiet reflection and for experiencing its unique architecture. 
 

Freedom Means Both Rights and Responsibility 

The theme of freedom is both natural and challenging for the Lutheran Church. In the Christian tradition, freedom does not mean no boundaries, but rather orientation towards the good: “I have the right to do anything,” one might say - but not everything is beneficial, as the First Letter to the Corinthians reminds us. 

“Freedom is above all responsibility - a call to build what is good for others and to care for our shared world,” says Minna Saarnivaara, Specialist in International Affairs and Multicultural Work at the Vantaa Parishes. 

Questions of freedom are particularly topical today. Globally, there is ongoing debate about the freedom of religion, freedom of movement, war and peace, and who has the right to a safe life. On a personal level, many people are also reflecting on what freedom means amid pressure, fear and uncertainty. 

From the Church’s perspective, freedom is not only about rights, but also about responsibility. “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom,” as the Second Letter to the Corinthians states. This freedom calls for building connection, reconciliation and peace, rather than excluding anyone. 

Saarnivaara adds that, from the Church’s standpoint, freedom is always linked to human dignity. 

“Every person is created with inherent worth, and this value does not depend on status, background or opinions. That is why the Church wants to be involved in defending a kind of freedom that belongs to everyone – not just for few.” 

“Freedom finds its meaning from the way we use it - together,” Minna Saarnivaara emphasises. 

 The World Village Festival will take place on 16 to 17 May in a new setting in the city centre of Helsinki: at Bio Rex, Lasipalatsi Square, Mauno Koivisto Square and Narinkkatori. 

Further information: 

Minna Saarnivaara, Specialist, Advisor for International Affairs and Multicultural Work, Church in Vantaa, phone number: 050 556 4756, minna.saarnivaara@evl.fi 

Check also: 

Our Festival Programme in Finnish 

The World Village Festival 

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