Press Release | March 31, 2025
The Council of Bishop regrets to announce the death of Bishop Hans Växby, who passed away on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at the age of 80 after a few weeks of illness.
Bishop Christian Alsted of the Nordic and Baltic Area, said:
“Bishop Hans lived with the assurance of belonging to Jesus Christ, and he passed away peacefully with his wife Kaija-Riikka Växby and sons Anssi and Henri by his side. We hold the entire family, which also includes three grandchildren, in our prayers.”
Bishop Hans Vaxby
Council of Bishops Photo
Bishop Växby was elected to the episcopacy in April 1989, and he served as a beloved leader in the Nordic and Baltic countries for 12 years, from 1989 to 2001. This was a time of significant expansion following the fall of the Iron Curtain, and Bishop Hans played a leading role in rebuilding the Methodist Church in Latvia and Lithuania after it had been closed for decades during the Soviet occupation. He was also involved in the early restart of the Methodist Church in Russia.
After his term as bishop ended, Bishop Hans Växby returned to pastoral ministry, and he and his wife Kaikka were appointed to Christ Church UMC in Helsinki.
In February 2005, he was elected bishop for the second time, this time overseeing Eurasia (including Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan), a position he held until his retirement in 2012.
Bishop Växby was known for his rare ability to communicate the Gospel and the Christian way of life in an inspiring, profound, and relevant manner, both in writing and through devotional radio programs. Throughout the years, he was a valued partner in ecumenical relations and dialogue, and he served as an exemplary representative of the Methodist Church.
Even after retirement, both Bishop Hans and Kaija-Riikka Växby remained active, playing leading roles at Christ Church UMC in Helsinki.
With over 55 years of service as a pastor and bishop, Hans Växby profoundly impacted the lives of thousands. Many appreciated his warm, straightforward leadership and his insightful, Jesus-centered preaching and teaching.
“The Finland Swedish United Methodist Church, as well as the United Methodist Church in Northern Europe and Eurasia, has lost a great leader and friend. We thank God for the life, ministry, and witness of Bishop Hans Växby, grateful for the deep and lasting impact he made,” Bishop Alsted said.
Bishop Växby survived by his wife Kaija-Riikka Växby, who is a United Methodist pastor, two sons, Anssi and Henri, and four grandchildren.
The funeral will take place on Saturday, April 26 at 13.00 in Christ Church UMC, Helsinki.