During the last weekend of April, the Cantors and Church Choirs of the Orthodox Church of Finland gathered in the Dormition Cathedral in Helsinki in a celebration of Orthodox church music. Among the several divine services and concerts offered was the premiere of “A Prayer Service for Peace in Ukraine,” composed by the young Finnish cantor Elia Pietarinen, with Archbishop Elia of Helsinki and All Finland presiding, sung by the Cathedral clergy and Cathedral Choir.
The Church Music Festival is a major event organized every 4-5 years in the Orthodox Church of Finland since 1929, bringing together hundreds of singers. The Prayer Service for Peace in Ukraine opened the entire event.
In his opening address, Archbishop Elia said:
“Quite recently, Pope Leo reminded us of the role of Christians as peacemakers. Just a few days ago, Archbishop Mullally of Canterbury called on the entire Anglican community to join the Pope in raising their voices for peace and justice. Our voice joins those voices tonight – the voice of the Orthodox Church of Finland as part of the common witness of Christendom that these times inevitably demand.”
His Eminence continued:
“Now we too ask God to soften the hearts and guide the nations and their leaders to the path of peace. Worship and prayer can help to alleviate our anxiety, because every time we pray, we know that we have done something meaningful to correct injustice. Through music this service sheds light into a world clouded by war and corrects what no one or nothing else can correct. Less than three weeks ago, on Holy Pascha, we witnessed how good conquers evil, justice defeats injustice, and truth tramples lies underfoot. Only this victory, achieved by Christ, is final and eternal.”
