Helsinki, September 3, 2025
ort.fi
The Church Administration of the Finnish Orthodox Church has issued a statement opposing the government’s proposal to reduce state subsidies to the church by $210,000 (€200,000) annually in 2026 and 2027.
This marks the third consecutive reduction in state support within a short timeframe. Since the beginning of 2025, state subsidies to the Finnish Church have already decreased by more than $410,000 (€392,000). The Church considers these proposed cuts disproportionate and unjust, warning they will negatively impact its ability to fulfill its core functions, the Church reports.
The Finnish Church currently serves approximately 57,000 registered members, though officials estimate around 150,000 Orthodox Christians live in Finland. The discrepancy is particularly notable among Ukrainian refugees, many of whom are unfamiliar with Finland’s parish registration system and Church tax. School statistics support this assessment, showing that 3% of students study Orthodox religious education, while registered Orthodox membership would suggest only 1% participation.
State subsidies currently represent about 35% of the Finnish Church’s total income. The recent baseline revision has reduced state support by approximately 14%, and the new proposal would bring total reductions to over 21% of previous subsidy levels.
The Church emphasizes its unique position as Finland’s only canonically recognized Orthodox body, operating as an autonomous church under the Patriarchate of Constantinople. Unlike other Northern and Central European countries where multiple Orthodox Patriarchates coexist, Finland maintains a unified Orthodox Church structure.
Church officials note that state funding supports essential operations including the Church Administration, diocesan offices, and an Orthodox seminary. The Church also provides numerous public services including spiritual care, population registration, burial services, cemetery maintenance, and support for vulnerable citizens through diaconal work.
Following the Ukraine war, the Church launched the Together in Church project for 2024-2027, aimed at supporting Ukrainian refugees and developing Church services for newcomers.
The Finnish Church has requested the government to withdraw its proposal and expressed readiness to continue constructive dialogue about the relationship between state subsidies and the costs of maintaining Church structures and activities.
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