kirkkoherra

Kirkkoherra is the title used in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland for the head priest of a parish (seurakunta). The term combines kirkko, meaning church, and herra, meaning lord or master, and in Swedish sources the equivalent title is kyrkoherde. The kirkkoherra is the leading clergyman in the parish and the principal administrator of its church life, worship, and property.

The duties of a kirkkoherra are both spiritual and administrative. They typically lead worship and preach, administer the sacraments, provide pastoral care, and oversee catechesis, youth work, and other church programs. The kirkkoherra also coordinates with lay structures such as the parish council, supervises other clergy and church staff, and represents the parish in diocesan matters and relations with local authorities. In practice, the role blends pastoral leadership with the management of finances, properties, and long-term parish planning.

Selection and appointment commonly involve election by the parish community, often through the parish council with participation from the congregation, in collaboration with the diocesan bishop. The position is usually held for a fixed term and may be renewable, though specific procedures and tenure can vary between dioceses and parishes.

In larger parishes, the kirkkoherra serves as the senior clergy member and public face of the parish, balancing spiritual duties with administrative responsibilities. The institution reflects the Church of Finland’s structure, where local parish life and governance play a central role in organizing worship, education, and community outreach.