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Disaster Victims Remembered

A national service of remembrance for the victims of the Asian tidal wave disaster was held at Turku Cathedral on Thursday.

Among those attending the ecumenical service were President Tarja Halonen and Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen. Many other top government leaders were present.

In his sermon, Archbishop Jukka Paarma stressed the need for neighbourly compassion. A hand should be stretched out and a shoulder should be given for those who had lost loved ones in the disaster, he noted.

The Cathedral was filled to capacity for the service. Special police permission was needed to allow all those wishing to attend to enter the crowded church.

Originally the service was to be held to celebrate the 850 year old history of Turku Cathedral.

Finnish News Agency STT, YLE24