Leo Makkonen

Template:Short description Template:Template other Archbishop Leo (b. 4 June 1948, Pielavesi, Finland) is a former prelate of the Orthodox Church of Finland as Archbishop of Helsinki and All Finland.

Background and career

He was born in Pielavesi in eastern Finland on 4 June 1948. After completing studies in 1972 at the Kuopio seminary, he was ordained deacon on 20 July 1973 and priest two days later.

He was consecrated Bishop of Joensuu on 25 February 1979, then served as Metropolitan of Oulu from 1980–1996. From 1996–2001 he served as Metropolitan of Helsinki, before taking up his post as Archbishop of Karelia; he was confirmed on 27 October 2001.

From 1979–1993 he served as chair of the Fellowship of Saints Sergius and Herman.

Makkonen retired in November 2024 after the election of his successor Archbishop Elia (Wallgrén).

Private life

Archbishop Leo is a widower. He has one daughter, and two grandchildren.

On his 60th birthday, Leo consecrated an eukterion in his hometown of Pielavesi. Building one had been a long-time dream of his.

Honors

• File:FIN Order of the Holy Lamb BAR.svg Order of the Holy Lamb (Finnish Orthodox Church, Grand Master, 2001)
• File:FIN Order of the Lion of Finland 2Class BAR.svg Order of the Lion of Finland (Finland, 2006)
• File:FIN Saint Henry Cross BAR.svg Saint Henry Cross (Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, 2008)