Finnish in Estonia

Introduction / History

The Republic of Finland is a Nordic country located in north central Europe. Sweden is its neighbor to the west, Russia to the east, Estonia to the south, and Norway to its north. Some Finns have migrated to nearby countries such as Estonia. Ethnic Finns in Estonia are divided into two categories. There are Finnish citizens who will return to their home country. The others are Ingrians, who live in Estonia.

What Are Their Lives Like?

As with most ethnic groups, the definition of Finns may vary. Finnish people in general live peaceful and secure lives. The unspoiled nature is a cherished resource of Finland but most Finns live in urban areas in growing cities.

Historically reserved and stoic, the younger Finns are out-going and worldly. As is normally the case, the people in the cities are likely to be more like other Europeans and the people in the country will be more reserved and protective of their history.

Finnish young people study and work hard. They generally start families a little bit later in life than other countries. They average 28 years of age before having children. The Finnish lifestyle is relaxed and easy-going but Finns are also hard workers and their lives in the busy cities are stressful. Many people have summer cottages far away from the place where they live. The summer cottages are often located on a nice and peaceful lakeshore or on an island. Finns go there to rest and spend some time with their families. Every summer cottage has to have a sauna because it is such an important part of the Finnish lifestyle. Often after bathing in the sauna nice "sauna-evenings" continue with lively conversations and drinks. Drinking and sauna is something that goes hand in hand. If the sauna is near a lake or the sea, it is customary to take a dip in the water regardless of whether it is winter or summer. This is an old tradition of the Finns.

Leisure activities include dancing, the theater, television, ice skating, ice hockey, fishing, motorcycle racing, football, and many other activities typical to other parts of the world.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Finns are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland. With approximately 4.3 million members, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland is one of the largest Lutheran churches in the world. Smaller numbers belong to the Finnish Orthodox Church, other Protestant denominations, Roman Catholic Church, and various other belief systems. Many claim no religious affiliation.

Over half of Finns say they pray at least once a month, the highest such proportion in any Nordic country. Most children are baptized and have confirmation at the age of 15. Nearly all funerals are Christian. The majority of Lutherans attend church only for special occasions like Christmas ceremonies, weddings and funerals.

What Are Their Needs?

Just like all areas of the world, Finns in Estonia needs clear, consistent, and relentless presentation of Biblical Christianity. As the information in the previous section mentions, there is much apathy and unbelief among Finns in Estonia. The numbers of people claiming no affiliation are also large.

Prayer Points

Pray that God will send workers into this field of opportunity with the unchanging message of the gospel to the Finns in Estonia.
Pray that God will raise up and empower Finnish workers to be Christ-bearers.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to move mightily in Finnish churches in Finland, Sweden and Estonia.

Text Source:   Joshua Project