For years, the Forest Church has been an integral part of the Jukola relay event. This year, the Forest Church was held by the lake Hyyrylampi in Tikkala forest. There were about 400 participants.
‘Movement is medicine, and exercise in the forest is the perfect medicine,’ said vicar Jyrki Koivikko in his sermon.
He welcomed all orienteers, volunteers and congregation in Mikkeli, in the forest of the archangel Michael: ‘Welcome to the forest of the city of angels to seek and perhaps to find.’ The forest calms and empowers, and for many, the forest and nature itself are already a church.
Parish pastor Eija Juuma was delighted with the good cooperation and excellent spirit of volunteerism with the Jukola organisation. Attending the service is a good way to get a feel for the atmosphere and community spirit of Jukola.It’s great that the church is involved in such a big sporting event.
The event ended with the Jukola song.
The liturgist was Dean Arja Huuskonen and the sermon was given by vicar Jyrki Koivikko. Parish pastor Eija Juuma assisted as priest, and cantor Mirja Husso and the Asante choir were responsible for the music. Pertti Lamminaho and Eeva-Liisa Tiilikka served as vergers.
Text: Sari Parkkinen
Photos: Lotta Niskanen
Translation: Irma Gynther-Karppinen