Through the Peace Road - Building Bridges across Cultural Divides
On a sunny, windy Saturday afternoon, on October 11, 2025, around thirty people joined in the Peace Road Walk in the heart of Helsinki, Finland. It was a public expression of mutual understanding and cooperation among people of various religions and ethnic groups.
Mr. Keijo Mikkanen, a representative of the organizer, UPF, greeted the public in front of the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Cathedral of the Diocese of Helsinki, at the central Market Square, and briefly explained the vision of the founders, Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon and his wife, Mother of Peace, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, of an interconnected world through an international highway network. The purpose of the rally was to join in that quest and encourage Finland to continue as a mediator in conflict situations. He wholeheartedly welcomed everyone to participate in the walk.
Then Rev. Lauri Oinonen, a three-term MP and long-time supporter of the Peace Road initiative, reminded the public that everyone can contribute in their own environment, and that through our relationship with God, we will make a positive impact.
He blessed the rally that set out for a walk to the Uspenski Cathedral, the main cathedral of the Orthodox Church in Finland. There, the priest Teemu Toivonen and the cantor welcomed our procession and offered a beautiful liturgy, along with biblical words of encouragement, to inspire us to be peacemakers.
The walk proceeded through Helsinki’s bustling, central South Harbour marketplace, and then passed by a ferry-harbour, and made its next stop at St. Henry’s (Catholic) Cathedral. There, Adventist pastor Veli-Lauri Kotilainen shared his personal journey from being an atheist and a conscientious objector, who, after entering into military service, discovered through a personal experience with Jesus, that Jesus was the most consistent and credible man of peace. This led him to study theology and to commit himself to missionary work and the priesthood.
We concluded the walk in a nearby park with reflection and prayer. Though the brisk autumn wind was cold, visiting the three churches and sharing our commitment to this worthy cause with many rally observers warmed our hearts.
We also appreciated the connection we felt to the worldwide Peace Road project that we want to see realized.