CEMETERIES, CHURCHES, AND BRIDES

During the winter months we've been touring the most famous of the Helsinki churches and one cemetery that is very close to our apartment.  Most of the graves have a lantern on them and the candles are lit on Christmas Eve and many at Easter Time.  We didn't know this last Christmas but there were thousands of candles lit...it is a strange Christmas Eve activity but Finns go to their relatives' graves to light candles.  We will remember this for next Christmas.  The large cemetery near us has two sides.  One is for the Orthodox Church and the other is for the Lutherans. 

Many people plant small shrubs on the graves...

at Easter there were lots of daffodils..

This is known as "The Old Church" and is located on our street on the way downtown.  It is very simple but beautiful! It was built in 1826 by a famous architect, Carl Engel.

This is The National Cathedral located in Senate Square in the center of Helsinki.  It was  built  in 1852 by Carl Engel as well.  This was the location for the New Year's Celebration we shared in January.

Here are some interior pictures.  In the summer this is a VERY popular place for weddings so many tourists do not get to go inside.

Not a church, but right next door is the National Library of Finland.  It was very beautiful as well!

This is St. Johns Cathedral located in downtown Helsinki, very close to our Center for Young Adults and ward meetinghouse.

The above picture was taken last Sunday but the following were taken just before Easter.  An orchestra and soloists were preparing for a Bach concert...it was great to get a sneak peek of their concert. 

Now for the brides...at FHE there was a great activity.  The kids were divided into 3 groups and given a bag of old clothes, TP, tape, and odd accessories.  Their first challenge was to create a "Superhero".  The second was to create a very stylish bride.  

This bride even came with a groom ready to present a ring.

Our final bride was from an arranged marriage...the groom's first glimpse was when he lifted the veil and got a terrible shock!  As you can see the bride had a slight "facial hair'  problem!  It was a fun night at the Center!!!

Spring has arrived!  No more snow and many sunny days!  We bought bikes last week so can go on many summer adventures!  Can't wait!!!