Marika Närhi named priest of the year for 2026

The Finnish Church Clergy Association has named Marika Närhi, a priest for social responsibility at Jyväskylä Parish, its priest of the year for 2026, Yle reports.

The association said Närhi is committed to parish worship, has strong networking skills and specialises in crisis work. She serves as workplace chaplain to the police and rescue services and helped establish staff support services between Jyväskylä Prison and the parish.

Her crisis work has included the Lapua Diocese and Central Finland’s spiritual care services. She has also developed paths for silence and prayer around Jyväskylä.

Närhi is active in her parish’s environmental work and created an environmental education plan that has served as a model for several other parishes. The association described her as approachable, dedicated to her work and the church, courageous and inspiring of trust. It said she is in demand for church ceremonies.