Archbishop Elia of Helsinki was formally enthroned as the new head of the Finnish Orthodox Church on December 15, 2024, at the Uspenski Cathedral in Helsinki. The ceremony was officiated by Metropolitan Arsenios of Austria, representing the blessings of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
In his inaugural address, Archbishop Elia emphasized the Church’s commitment to serving society, particularly the marginalized, and advocating for justice and environmental action. He called for unity, humility in ecumenical dialogue, and shared responsibility in faith, highlighting the importance of God’s love.
Read Archbishop Elia’s speech below:
Reverend Father Hierarchs Arsenios, Arseni, Kleopas,
Agapit, Daniel, Alexander, and Sergei, and
Emeritus Hierarchs Leo, Ambrosius, and Panteleimon,
Honorable Speaker of Parliament,
Esteemed Representatives of our State and Ambassadors of other nations,
Respected Leaders of the Evangelical Lutheran Church and Catholic Church,
and Representatives of the Tatar and Jewish congregations,
Fathers, sisters, and brothers in Christ,
God, whom I have relied on throughout my life, has led me to this moment with a great responsibility on my shoulders. I feel a mix of emotions – fear of the weight of the task and hope in the support I have.
Reflecting on the Apostle Paul’s words about bearing fruits of the Spirit, I pray to embody qualities like love, joy, and patience in my role. True ecclesiastical leadership is about living a life in the Spirit that benefits others.
As I stand here, I sense not only your presence but also the prayers of those who walked this path before me. Every step in ecclesiastical leadership begins and ends with surrendering to Christ.
I express deep gratitude to the Church council and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew for entrusting me with shepherding the Orthodox Church of Finland. Our connection with the Mother Church of Constantinople and sister Church in Estonia will continue to strengthen under my leadership.
I acknowledge Archbishop Leo’s long service and unwavering stand against unjust aggression. The Church’s true strength lies in serving the marginalized and standing against injustice, not just in numbers.
Christ’s example teaches us to see His face in those who suffer. The Church must speak for all suffering children and be a beacon of hope in dark times.
We are all part of a chain of generations carrying the living heritage of faith. The Orthodox Church exists beyond the present moment, connecting past saints, the present community, and the promise of the future kingdom.
Our Church’s deep understanding of time is not linear but liturgical – every moment is filled with eternity, and every Eucharist unites past, present, and future in Christ’s mystical body, His Church. The Church is not merely a building of stone or a regulated institution, but a living organism flowing with the life-giving power of the Holy Spirit. It serves as an icon of God’s kingdom, where time and eternity, visible and invisible, material and spiritual converge in sacramental reality.
Our tradition is not a burden that binds us but a force that transforms us, propelling us towards the fullness of God’s kingdom. Each generation is called to be renewed in the Spirit’s power, not to preserve the past as a relic, but to live out the gospel’s transformative power in the present moment. This dynamic nature of our tradition calls us, Finnish Orthodox, to engage with other traditions as partners in common witness.
Our Church’s teaching on the sanctity of creation is vital in today’s world, where environmental destruction is rampant. We cannot turn a blind eye to the devastation of our planet while we revel in our cultural beauty. The prophetic calling of the Church demands that we rise from our comfort zones, speak truth to power, and stand with the oppressed. Our credibility as a Church will be judged by our actions in protecting the environment and advocating for justice.
As I embark on this new role with humility and trust in God’s guidance, I acknowledge that the Church is not built on one person’s efforts but on the collective work of all its members. I am grateful for the support of my fellow bishops, priests, and all the dedicated workers of our Church. Together, we can serve with love and grace, guided by God’s light in the darkness.
I am encouraged by the prayers of the saints and the support of my brothers and sisters in Christ as we journey forward into the future. With God’s grace, we can face the challenges ahead, knowing that His love is stronger than any force on earth. Let us step into the future with confidence, relying on His light to guide us through the uncertainties. This requires us to look beyond numbers and figures and see the real faces and stories behind them. In discussions about the economy and work, we must always consider the ultimate goal and distinguish between tools and true measures of human dignity. The Church’s mission is to remind the world that in helping the poor, we are serving Christ Himself, especially in times of crisis like the Ukrainian refugee situation.
When we talk about refugees and displaced persons, we must remember that each individual has their own unique story, hopes, and fears. The Church must advocate for human dignity and recognize the sacredness of every person, going beyond statistics to see the humanity in each individual.
Moderation is essential, not as a sign of weakness but as a display of wisdom and respect for our limits as human beings. The Church must speak out against greed and injustice, advocating for a balance between growth and compassion. Cooperation is also crucial, as we must work together to build bridges and find common ground, guided by a sense of unity and love.
Life may be unfair, but it is our duty to find our purpose and identity within God’s plan. By understanding who we are not, we can discover our true selves and strive towards becoming the best version of ourselves. Let us build our lives as temples for God’s glory, making wise choices that reflect eternal values rather than worldly measures of success.
Dear Archbishop Elias, embrace the challenges set before you with courage, knowing that God will provide the grace to overcome them. Seek first the kingdom of God, and everything else will fall into place. You are God’s masterpiece, a work in progress guided by His divine plan. His grace is more than enough.
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