Orthodox Church of Finland announces candidates for new Archbishop of Helsinki

The Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church of Finland has announced the two candidates for the election of the new Archbishop of Helsinki and All Finland.

The selected candidates are:

• Metropolitan Elian of Oulu (Oulun metropoliitta Elian)
• Bishop Sergei of Hamina (Haminan piispa Sergein)

The decision was made on the evening of Tuesday, 26 November 2024, during a Synod session attended by Archbishop Leo of Helsinki and All Finland., Metropolitan Stephanos of Tallinn, and Metropolitan Athenagoras of Kydonia.

Clergy-Laity Assembly for the Election of the New Archbishop

The election process is taking place within the framework of the Clergy-Laity Assembly of the Orthodox Church of Finland, which began on Monday, 25 November 2024, at the Monastery of the Transfiguration in Valamo. The Assembly is presided over by Archbishop Leo of Helsinki and All Finland, who submitted his resignation earlier this year, subsequently accepted by the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

The election of the new Archbishop will take place on Thursday, 28 November 2024, following the Divine Liturgy at the Monastery. This momentous decision is expected to usher in a new era for the Orthodox Church of Finland.

Source: orthodoxtimes.com