Leo Makkonen

Leo Makkonen studied at Joensuu Orthodox Seminary and University of Joensuu. The recorded working language is Karelian and Finnish. Positions recorded include Orthodox Archbishop of Helsinki. Distinctions recorded are Commander First Class of the Order of the Lion of Finland, Saint Henry Cross, Commander of the Order of the White Rose of Finland and Order of Holy Prince Daniel of Moscow 2nd class.

• Name — Leo • Title — Archbishop of Helsinki and all Finland • Church — Orthodox Church of Finland • Predecessor — John (Rinne) • Native Name — Leo Makkonen • Born — 4 June 1948 • Birthplace — Pielavesi, Finland • Appointed — 27 October 2001 • Ordination — 22 July 1973 • Children — 1 • Honorific Prefix — His Eminence • Ordained By — Paul (Olmari) • Consecration — 25 February 1979 • Consecrated By — Paul (Olmari) • Birth Name — Leo Makkonen • Successor — Elia (Wallgrén) • Term End — 29 November 2024 • Previous Post — Bishop of Joensuu (1979) Metropolitan of Oulu (1980-1996) Metropolitan of Helsinki (1996-2001) • Alma Mater — University of Joensuu St. Sergius Institute • Denomination — Eastern Orthodox Christianity

He was born in Pielavesi in eastern Finland on 4 June 1948. After completing studies in 1972 at the Kuopio seminary, he was ordained to the deaconate on 20 July 1973 and to the priesthood 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 enthroned 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).

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.