Kristitty

Kristitty is a person who follows Jesus Christ and belongs to Christianity. The term comes from the name Christ (Christus) and is used in Finnish to refer to adherents of Christianity or to Christianity as a religion. Christians form diverse communities united by beliefs about Jesus, the Bible, and God.

Historically, Christianity arrived in Finland and other Nordic lands during the Middle Ages under Swedish influence. It was organized within the Catholic Church until the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century, when Lutheranism became dominant. The Orthodox Church of Finland represents a distinct Eastern Christian tradition, largely through historic ties to Russia and immigration.

Beliefs and practice vary by tradition but share core elements: belief in one God, Jesus Christ as the Son of God and savior, and the authority of sacred texts. Common practices include baptism and the Eucharist (Communion), regular worship services, prayers, and observing holidays such as Christmas and Easter.

In Finland, the largest kristitty communities are the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland and the Orthodox Church of Finland. Other groups include the Catholic Church and various Protestant, Pentecostal, Baptist, and Free churches. Worldwide, Christianity comprises Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant branches with many denominations.

Today, kristitty identities range from cultural to deeply devotional. Christians participate in education, charity, and public life, while debates about religion and society continue in many countries.