The Orthodox Church of Finland has marked a significant milestone with the enthronement of Archbishop Elia of Helsinki and All Finland. In a social media post, the Church reflected on this historic moment, announcing: “Our church has entered the era of Archbishop Elia.”
A group photo taken at the iconic Uspenski Cathedral following the enthronement ceremony captured the current leadership of the Church. Present were Archbishop Elia, Metropolitan Arseni of Kuopio and Karelia, and Bishop Sergei of Hamina, who will assume the role of acting Metropolitan of Oulu starting January 1st.
Another photo commemorated the broader significance of the event, showcasing all the bishops who participated in the enthronement. The assembled hierarchs reflected the unity and collaboration across Orthodox jurisdictions. From left to right, the photo included:
- Archbishop Agapit of Vyshhorod (Orthodox Church of Ukraine),
- Metropolitan Cleopas of Sweden and All Scandinavia,
- Metropolitan Arsenios of Austria,
- Archbishop Elia of Helsinki and All Finland,
- Metropolitan Arseni of Kuopio and Karelia,
- Archbishop Daniel of Pamphilon (Orthodox Church of Ukraine, USA, Ecumenical Patriarchate),
- Bishop Aleksander of Pärnu (Estonian Apostolic Orthodox Church), and
- Bishop Sergei of Hamina.
The photos, captured by Jyri Pitkänen, beautifully document this momentous occasion, celebrating a new chapter for the Orthodox Church of Finland under the leadership of Archbishop Elia.
