On Sunday, 13 September, Catholics and Orthodox held a joint procession of the Cross in Kuopio from St Joseph’s Church to St Nicholas Cathedral. The event brought together faithful not only from Kuopio but also from at least Joensuu, Mikkeli and Savonlinna.
The day began with a service in each church. At 2 p.m., the participants gathered at St Joseph’s Church, from where the procession made its way via Kuopio harbour towards St Nicholas Cathedral. The Rosary was prayed along the way. The procession was led by parish priest Father Donbosco Thomas, parochial vicar Father Daniele Giacchetto and Orthodox priest Father Otto Laukkarinen.
The warm and cordial gathering concluded at St Nicholas Cathedral with a joint Akathist prayer. The singing was led by a choir made up of both Catholics and Orthodox.
Assad Karam and Tiina Närväinen
– Read also Orthodox priest Otto Laukkarinen’s account of the event.