The specifics of the relationship between the Finnish and Russian Orthodox Churches after the restoration of pray and Eucharistic communion (1957–1960)

Abstract

As of today, period after resuming Eucharistic communion between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Finnish Orthodox Church in 1957 and retiring of archbishop Herman (Aav) in 1960, who was a primate of the Finnish Orthodox Church, remains one of insufficiently explored sides of relations between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Finnish Orthodox Church. Finishing years of negotiations on the normalization of relations had caused a various reactions both among clergy and believers of the Finnish Orthodox Church and among congregations of St. Nicholas and the Intercession communities in Helsinki, which joined the newly formed Deanery of the Moscow Patriarchate in Finland. Based on documents from the State Archive of the Russian Federation, this article attempts to explore this chronological segment and identify its role in shaping nature of following inter-church relations, focusing on activities of Bishop Paul (Olmari), who succeeded Archbishop Herman as the primate of Finnish Orthodox Church in august 1960. In addition, it seems important to consider the forming of the Deanery of the Moscow Patriarchate, as it played an important role in policy of inertness and caution, which was conducted by the Finnish Orthodox Church towards the Russian Orthodox Church during the period under review.