The Clergy-Laity Assembly of the Church of Finland began at the Monastery of the Transfiguration, led by Archbishop Leo of Helsinki and All Finland.
This Assembly is significant for the Church of Finland as a new Archbishop is set to be elected on Thursday, November 28. Archbishop Leo, who has devoted many years of service to the Church, tendered his resignation a few months ago, which was accepted by the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
Alongside the bishops of the Church of Finland and appointed lay members, the Assembly is graced by the presence of Metropolitan Stephanos of Tallinn and All Estonia, as well as Metropolitan Athenagoras of Kydonia.
The Clergy-Laity Assembly is expected to have a decisive impact on the future of the Church of Finland by electing its new Primate. The chosen individual will lead the Church into the next phase, ensuring the continuation of its spiritual mission and its standing in the wider Orthodox Christian community.
This momentous occasion underscores the Church’s commitment to unity and collaborative decision-making during this transitional period.
Patriarchal Letter Regarding the Resignation and Succession of Archbishop Leo of Finland
In a patriarchal letter addressed to Archbishop Leo of Helsinki and All Finland, the Bishops’ Assembly, and the Church Council of the Orthodox Church of Finland, the Ecumenical Patriarchate outlined the procedures concerning Archbishop Leo’s resignation and the selection of his successor.
Archbishop Leo’s resignation, tendered earlier this year, was approved by the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate on May 18, 2024. The resignation will take effect officially during the Clergy-Laity Assembly in November 2024, where the successor will be elected and presented for canonical approval by the Holy Synod on December 1, 2024. Until then, Archbishop Leo will continue in his role and oversee the electoral process.
To ensure transparency and adherence to canonical norms in the election, the Bishops’ Assembly of the Finnish Orthodox Church will be joined by Metropolitan Stephanos of Tallinn and All Estonia and, if necessary, another hierarch appointed by the Ecumenical Patriarchate. This arrangement corresponds with the Tomos of 1923, which established the autonomy of the Finnish Orthodox Church. Should any of the current Finnish bishops become candidates, Archbishop Leo must promptly inform the Ecumenical Patriarchate to facilitate necessary adjustments.
Upon the announcement of the election results, Archbishop Leo will be formally relieved of his canonical duties. The newly elected Archbishop will assume office once all canonical requirements are met, with a representative from the Ecumenical Patriarchate attending the enthronement ceremony.