Your Eminence Metropolitan Arsenios of Austria, Patriarchal Representative,
Your Eminence Archbishop Elia of Helsinki and All Finland,
Your Eminences, Your Graces,
Your Excellencies,
Honored guests,
Dealy Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The Grace of God has enabled us to come together on this auspicious day to celebrate the enthronement of Archbishop Elia of Helsinki and All Finland, following his recent election and confirmation by our Great Mother Church, the Ecumenical Patriarchate. I wish You, Your Eminence, every strength and heavenly blessing in the performance of Your new duties.

I remember with fondness my three most recent trips to Finland, on the occasions of your Church’s 100th Autonomy anniversary, as well as to represent the Ecumenical Patriarchate at the tributes organized in memory of the ever-memorable Metropolitan John of Nicea and to the Sami Community, along with Your hospitality and friendship, and I am so happy that I am able to be here today to share in this joyous and historic occasion.

Along with my wishes for the new archpastoral role You are undertaking, I would like to formally invite You to visit the headquarters of the neighboring Holy Metropolis of Sweden in Stockholm, in Your new capacity as Archbishop. It will be my great pleasure to welcome You and receive You in brotherly love.

In addition, I would like to express my gratitude and thanks to You for the support that the Archdiocese of Finland has provided the Finnish Parish in Stockholm over the years, including the presence of dedicated clergy, as well as other material and spiritual assistance. I have every confidence that You will continue this praiseworthy initiative undertaken by Your predecessors and continue to support this parish through Your available resources.

As I conclude my brief remarks, I want to reiterate my full support and willingness to aid and assist You in any way I can as You carry out the weighty duties entrusted to You by the Church. My sentiments of fraternal love and friendship go without saying, and my prayers for Your ministry are earnest and fervent. Please do not hesitate to call upon me for anything You need. I look forward to working closely with You as our neighboring Orthodox churches work, to advance the Gospel of our Lord and minister to the people of the Northern Lands. Congratulations, Your Eminence! Axios!