The Finnish Orthodox Church welcomed its new head on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at the Uspenski Cathedral in Helsinki.
Metropolitan Arsenios of Austria, representing the Ecumenical Patriarchate, officiated the enthronement of Archbishop Elia of Helsinki.
During the ceremony, Metropolitan Arsenios conveyed the “fatherly wishes and patriarchal blessings” of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to Archbishop Elia, highlighting his role as the “canonical shepherd” of the Finnish Orthodox Church.
Metropolitan Arsenios announced the decision of the Holy Synod regarding the appointment, while Archbishop Emeritus Leo delivered a motivational speech to the newly appointed archbishop. Metropolitan Arsenios also offered words of encouragement and support to the new Archbishop.
In his inaugural address, Archbishop Elia of Helsinki and All Finland reflected on the weight of his new responsibilities, his vision for the Church, and the challenges ahead. He acknowledged the immense responsibility on his shoulders and expressed both fear and hope in carrying out his duties.
The Archbishop emphasized the Church’s commitment to serving society, especially the marginalized and forgotten, cautioning against being reduced to mere statistics. He stressed the Church’s prophetic role as a voice against injustice and the importance of unity, cooperation, and humility in ecumenical dialogue.
Furthermore, Archbishop Elia underscored the Church’s ecological responsibility, calling for practical environmental action as an integral part of the Church’s mission. He concluded his address by urging shared responsibility and faith in divine grace, emphasizing the strength of God’s love in the face of challenges.
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