St. Henry's Cathedral - A small Catholic Church I found in Helsinki, Finland

In Finland, 70% of people belong to The Evangelical Lutheran Church, and 1.1% of people to Finnish Orthodox Church. 

During that time, can I find a Catholic Church to be able to visit in Helsinki? I searched on the internet, and knew St. Henry's Cathedral, which is a Roman Catholic Cathedral in Helsinki, Finland. There is a Mass in English on Sunday!

I took off a tram at Kaivopuisto of Tram 3 Line. Soon, a small church was seen in front of me. 

St. Henry's Cathedral in Helsinki, Finland 

It is the Cathedral Church of the Catholic Diocese of Helsinki, dedicated to St. Henry, a 12th-century Bishop of Finland. 

The statues are Saint Henry, Saint Peter, and Saint Paul. 

St. Henry's Cathedral is built in 1858 - 1860, and one of the oldest Neo-Gothic churches in Finland.

The Mass in English on Sunday starts at 9:30 am. I wished for spending time quietly inside the church before the Mass started. Sit on the bench, see the interior, close my eyes, and be honest with myself in a sacred and mysterious atmosphere... So I came here earlier. 

But! There were already people inside the church and a prayer chorus had begun! Christians - almost of them seemed Filipinos to me - were chanting specific prayers loudly together. Louldy. 

I got upset. For me, the time before the Mass should be, at least I was taught that, quiet. It's different here. Though I couldn't have a quiet time as I hoped, I understood it's helpless. They want to chant passionately to express their faith. They are very devout. Must be looking forward to coming here, a rare Catholic Church in Finland. 

The Mass started after 30 minutes. It was a beautiful Mass by Finnish priest. 

He in Michigan had some doubts whether there was a Mass at Catholic Church in Finland because a Catholic population in Finland is quite small. 

Yes, there was. Later at the hotel, I took a photo of "evidence" and sent it to him. 

Even if I was traveling alone in Finland, my heart was together with him.

A Fabulous Finnish cinnamon roll & an excellent Americano I tasted at St.GEORGE BAKERY, Helsinki

My purpose for traveling in Finland was experiencing Finnish cinnamon rolls. On a trip for 3 days, there were several chances to have cinnamon rolls. It is also called cinnamon buns. In Finland, it is "korvapuusti". 

I want to tell you, I had a beautiful Finnish cinnamon roll at the cafe of the hotel I stayed at. It was not in the guidebook, but it was the best! 

Korvapuusti at St.GEORGE BAKERY

It was served, softly warmed up. It was the most beautiful I korvapuusti I'd ever had. I'd like to say it even if I was not experienced a lot. 

Finnish cinnamon roll is horizontally rolled up, seasoned with cardamon as well as cinnamon, sprinkled crystal sugar instead of icing on top. 

St.GEORGE BAKERY is on the first basement of Hotel St.George. https://www.stgeorgehelsinki.com

I might not have visited here unless I stayed at this hotel. So, I'm thankful that I had an opportunity to stay at an elegant Hotel St.George in Helsinki City Center, which is only 10-minute walk from Helsinki Central Station. 

There were plenty of attractive rolls, muffins, pastries, and cakes...but my choice was Finnish cinnamon roll I was really hoping to try! 

One woman is working at the cafe. She gently speaks. It makes me feel at ease, and it is as if her smile is healing people's mind. I was greeting a crisp, refreshing morning.

I learned how amazingly the power of gentle smiles and words affect people around. It makes us happy!

One of the visitor's coffee looked great. I was interested in it and asked him what he ordered.

"Americano."  This is it! 

Americano at St.GEORGE BAKERY

Tasty! It's my favorite flavor. It is covered with creamy foam, making the coffee excellent even better. It is not milk froth, but coffee froth. I do love it❤︎

A fabulous Finnish cinnamon roll & an excellent Americano I tasted at St.GEORGE BAKERY were the highlight of my trip in Helsinki. 

I asked the Finnish lady which coffee beans was used for this Americano. I thought about bringing the beans back to Japan, but I didn't. There was not an enough space in my suitcase. 

We are in the midst of trying to overcome the Corona Crisis. A shift towards more remote-based work style will remain even after we have overcome COVID-19. "New Normal" will remain as "New Lifestyle". Someday we will be able to travel again, in, perhaps, a little changed way.  

I can't even think about a trip in a current situation. Still, traveling is great. I can travel in my mind by seeing those pictures taken in Finland.

Someday...

If I go to Finland again, I will definitely visit St.GEORGE BAKERY even if I stay at a different hotel. I fell in love with the food here. And when I am asked "Would you like it warmed up?" kindly,  I will say "Yes!" with a happy smile.   

Helsinki Central Station, Finnish National Theatre...and tasteful cider in Finland☆

I told you before here at my blog that I missed shopping and dining area inside of the station because I went out directly from the platform like people around me did. 

It seems like a front entrance of Helsingin Rautatieasema (Helsinki Central Station). I see people going back and forth through the door. OK, I will go inside and check it out.

This is R-kioski I've sought!  I wanted to come here on the first day😂

I went out of the station from the other side. At the station square, I took a shot. I didn't take a bus in Finland, but this is the snap to record the moment😀

And Soumen Kansallisteatteri (Finnish National Theatre) itself without a bus. The style of the architecture is called art nouveau. No matter where you take it, it will make a great picture! 

The Finnish National Theatre is on the northern side of the Helsinki Central Railway Station Square symbolically.

On the way to my hotel, I bought these at the department store, STOCKMAN!  Tasteful cider became a great favorite of mine. Homemade ice box cookies were rich in egg flavor. Gluten free thin crackers were...OK.

 

I really recommend you to buy cider in Finland. Believe me, you can find a wide variety of cider at the store. I'm sure rich cider with a stylish can will be a wonderful gift for your friends. You can introduce Finland to your friends in a slightly different way☆

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