With the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Antony, the spiritual father of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA (UOC of the USA), and upon the invitation of His Eminence Archbishop Elia of the Orthodox Church of Finland, Archbishop Daniel recently traveled to Helsinki, Finland, to participate in the enthronement of the new spiritual father of the Orthodox Church of Finland. This historic event marked a significant moment in the life of the Autonomous Orthodox Church of Finland under the spiritual care of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.

Archbishop Daniel joined Orthodox hierarchs and clergy from around the world for the formal ceremony of enthronement, which culminated in the Eucharistic Divine Liturgy. Representing the faithful of the UOC of the USA and the broader Ukrainian Orthodox diaspora, Archbishop Daniel conveyed heartfelt greetings to Archbishop Elia on behalf of Metropolitan Antony, clergy and faithful of the UOC of the USA.

Archbishop Daniel presented Archbishop Elia with a sacred icon of the Holy Metropolitans of Kyiv. This icon, a symbol of the unbroken connection between the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and its global brothers and sisters, had been blessed by His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew during his visit to the spiritual center of the UOC of the USA in South Bound Brook, New Jersey.

In his remarks, Archbishop Daniel thanked Archbishop Elia for his steadfast support of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people during the ongoing persecution and aggression they face. Archbishop Elia’s compassionate care for Ukrainian refugees in Finland, particularly women and children, reflects the Gospel call to love and serve all people in times of need.

As a token of gratitude and spiritual unity, Archbishop Daniel also gifted Archbishop Elia a hand-carved wooden panagia and cross crafted in the Carpathian tradition of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. These gifts symbolize the shared heritage and deep connection between the Orthodox faithful in Finland and the Ukrainian Orthodox diaspora.

The Divine Liturgy, co-celebrated by Metropolitan Arsenius of Austria – representative of the Ecumenical Patriarch, Metropolitan Arsenii of the Diocese of Kuopio and Karelia of the Orthodox Church of Finland, Metropolitan Cleopas of Sweden,  Archbishop Daniel of the UOC of the USA, Archbishop Agapit of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, Bishop Alexander (Hopjorski) of Parnu and Saaremaa of the Orthodox Church of Estonia and Bishop Sergei of the Orthodox Church of Finland and other clergy, was a profound expression of Orthodox unity. Partaking in the Holy Eucharist together, the hierarchs and faithful bore witness to the bond shared by the Orthodox Church of Finland and the broader Orthodox Christian world under the motherly embrace of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.

The sacred event of enthronement of a new archbishop of Finland underscored the essential mission of the Holy Orthodox Church in the 21st century: to care for the people of God amid the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

During his enthronement as Archbishop of Helsinki and All Finland, His Eminence Archbishop Elia shared a deeply inspiring vision for the Finnish Orthodox Church. In his remarks, he emphasized the Church’s enduring connection with the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, its sister Church in Estonia, and its commitment to closer cooperation with the Lithuanian Orthodox Church and the independent Orthodox Church of Ukraine. His words resonated with a profound call to live out the Church’s mission in truth, service, and solidarity with the marginalized.

Archbishop Elia cautioned against an overemphasis on institutional metrics such as membership statistics, baptismal numbers, and attendance. While these figures can provide insights, he stated that they do not define the Church’s true strength. “The Church does not exist for itself,” he proclaimed. “We are here for those whose voices are not heard in our society - the marginalized, the forgotten, the persecuted.”

This call to action highlights the Church’s essential mission: to stand as a beacon of hope and justice for those in need. If the Church becomes preoccupied with its own survival or offers superficial answers instead of confronting difficult truths, Archbishop Elia warned, it risks losing its soul.

Reflecting on the example of Christ, Archbishop Elia reminded the faithful of the Church’s duty to face the darkest times with courage and love. “Christ did not turn His gaze from Golgotha, nor flee the cries of the crucified. Though He knew what lay ahead, His gaze lingered where the pain was most unbearable, where darkness was deepest,” he said.

This profound reflection underscores the Church’s calling to be present in the places where hearts are breaking, where hope seems lost, and where only love can endure. Citing the words of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Archbishop Elia affirmed that the Church is called to descend to the cross and to refuse to step down from it.

Archbishop Elia also emphasized that the Church is never the work of one person. He expressed deep gratitude for the collaborative efforts of bishops, priests, cantors, and countless workers in parishes, organizations, and the wider community. “The Church is ultimately built on trust, not blind hierarchy,” he stated, underscoring the importance of mutual respect and shared responsibility within the Body of Christ.

Archbishop Elia’s vision is a powerful reminder of the Church’s universal calling to serve the least among us and to remain steadfast in the face of injustice and suffering. His words inspire Orthodox Christians worldwide to live with the courage, humility, and love exemplified by Christ Himself.

As the Finnish Orthodox Church strengthens its bonds with the Mother Church of Constantinople, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, and other sister churches, it offers a model of unity and faithfulness in action. At a time when the people of Ukraine face ongoing persecution and aggression, Archbishop Elia’s leadership affirms the Church’s commitment to stand with the suffering and to advocate for peace and justice.

In the 21st century, the Orthodox Church is called to navigate the challenges of a complex world while remaining true to its mission.

In his reflections, Archbishop Daniel emphasized the importance of collaboration among Orthodox Christians worldwide, particularly in responding to the suffering of the Ukrainian people during the ongoing Russian aggression.

May the collaboration of the faithful of the Orthodox Church, inspired by such moments of spiritual unity, continue to nurture and care for those in need, offering the light of Christ’s Gospel to all nations.