Press release.THE PEOPLE OF HELSINKI GATHERED TOGETHER TO SING “FINLANDIA” IN SUPPORT OF UKRAINE

On Easter Monday, around 6000 people joined forces in the heart of the Finnish capital at Helsinki Cathedral to support Ukraine. Beginning with an ecumenical prayer organized by churches in Finland, the event continued with a Free Ukraine international demonstration organized by Ukrainian Association in Finland.

A gigantic Ukrainian flag was carried down the stairs of the cathedral. Led by one of the most prominent Finnish rock stars Maija Vilkkumaa, the crowd was singing the historic and patriotic “Finlandia” anthem originally composed by Jean Sibelius.  

“I think we had a very touchy moment when president Volodymyr Zelenskyi addressed the Finnish Parliament. He spoke about solidarity now and he also spoke about solidarity that is needed in the future for the reconstruction of Ukraine, and particularly he mentioned children and schools, which also have been targeted in the attacks. In rebuilding of schools I believe Finland can help,” said Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto in his speech to the protesters, who gathered at Helsinki’s Senate Square to support Ukraine’s struggle not only for its own independence, but also for a fair world based on treaties whereby a larger state cannot subjugate a neighbouring country by force.

“Victory of Ukraine will be a common victory for Europe and a common victory for the civilized world. I would like to thank Finland for so much support,” said Ambassador of Ukraine in Finland Olga Dibrova.

“Finlandia”, composed by Jean Sibelius in 1899 and 1900, became a symbol of Finnish nationalism when Finland was a Grand Duchy under Russia. In Finland, the “Finlandia” hymn was not sung until Finnish words were written for it by opera singer Wäinö Sola in 1937. After the Russian aggression against Finland in 1939 – The Winter War –  Finnish poet V.A. Koskenniemi supplied a new text, the one that has been used ever since. In the demonstration, artist Maija Vilkkumaa performed a version of the anthem in which the word “Finland” was replaced by the word “Ukraine.”

Photographer: Antti Yrjönen. 

Ukrainian Association in Finland

The Ukrainian Association in Finland was founded in Helsinki in 1997 with the purpose of uniting and representing the community of Ukrainians residing in Finland and raising awareness about Ukraine and its culture in Finland. Our aim is to support a strong Ukrainian community, the members of which, while preserving their cultural identity, are fully integrated into Finnish society and engaged in their local communities.