Hierarchical Sees

Archbishp of Karelia and All Finland (2001-)

Metropolitan of Helsinki (1996-2001)

Metropolitan of Oulu (1979-1996)

Bishop of Joensuu (1979-1979)

Date of Elevation to Archbishop of Karelia and All Finland:

2001

Date of Elevation to Metropolitan:

1979

Date of Consecration:

1979

Date of Ordination to the Priesthood:

1973

Date of Ordination to the Diaconate:

1973

Date of Birth:

June 4, 1948

Full Name:

Leo Makkonen

Biography

Metropolitan Leo was born 4th of June 1948 and he graduated from the Orthodox Priest Seminary in Kuopio in 1972. After graduating from the Seminary, Metropolitan Leo finished his pedagogical studies at the University of Turku in 1978. He received his Masters Degree in Orthodox Theology from the University of Joensuu in 1995.

After graduating from the seminary, the future metropolitan was ordained a deacon and then a priest in 1973 by Metropolitan John of Helsinki. From the year 1973, he worked as a priest and teacher of religion, first in Eastern part of Finland, and from 1974 until 1979 he continued similar work in the South-Western part of Finland. In 1979 he was elected assistant Bishop of Joensuu in 1979 and his consecration took place in February. Already in October he was elected Metropolitan of the Diocese of Oulu. This diocese covers the area of Northern Finland and Lapland. At the beginning of 1980 he was appointed to this office. H.E. metropolitan Leo held this office until 1996 when he was elected metropolitan of Helsinki.

Metropolitan Leo has had many positions of trust in his carrier. Since 1975, he has been a member of the General Assembly of the Church, which among other works drafts new laws and statutes for the Church and elects bishops. He has been a member of the Administrative council of the Church since 1980. This body runs the everyday practical administration within the whole church in co-operation with the diocesan episcopal offices. From 1979 until 1993 H.E. Metropolitan Leo was the chairman of the Fellowship of SS. Sergius and Herman, which is the home mission organisation of the Church. He has also been the chairman of the committee responsible of developing the domestic ecclesiastical administration during 1996-2001. He has also been a member of the Ecumenical Council of Finland since 1980 and 1987-90 he acted as a vice-president and as a board member of the council.

Metropolitan Leo has represented the Orthodox Church of Finland on various official visits abroad.

Metropolitan Leo has been a member of the editorial councils of many publications and he has published lectures and articles on and different magazines and electronic publications.

[OT/25.10.2001]
© Suomen ortodoksinen kirkko 2001