Finnish Church head says he is in regular contact with security services

Archbishop Leo of the Orthodox Church of Finland. Photo: Terhi Liimu/Yle

The Primate of the Finnish Church under the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Archbishop Leo, stated in an interview with local media that since the beginning of the full-scale conflict in Ukraine he has been in continuous contact with Finland’s security agency, Supo.

According to the archbishop, these discussions relate to “Russian attempts at influence” and the changing geopolitical situation, though he declined to reveal any details of the conversations.

The Primate of the Finnish Church claims that the war in Ukraine has caused deep divisions within the church environment – among both laypeople and clergy. This is especially true, he said, for parishioners of Russian origin, who were surprised to see the Church leadership adopt a politically charged position in support of Ukraine.

The division, Archbishop Leo noted, affects not only parishioners but also staff within church institutions.

In his view, any divergence from the official stance of the church hierarchy on the Ukrainian issue constitutes a threat. Such situations, he believes, may serve as “opportunities for exploitation” by Russia.

“We Finns are often too trusting. The Church must be vigilant and able to recognize the signs of influence attempts,” he said.

As the UOJ reported, the head of the Finnish Church concelebrated with Dumenko in Kyiv.

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