The new head of the Karelian Metropolis arrived in Petrozavodsk today; at the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Bishop Abel will celebrate his first liturgy in the republic, starting at 9:30. Bishop Abel was appointed head of the Karelian Metropolis by decision of the Russian Orthodox Church. His predecessor, Metropolitan Constantine, has held this position since 2015. He is now retired—the bishop submitted a petition upon reaching the age of 75, and it was accepted. I am forever grateful to Metropolitan Constantine for his years of tireless work and ascetic service to the Church, including 11 years on Karelian soil. And in this responsible post, I wish the help of God to the new head of the Karelian Metropolis, Bishop Abel, in his upcoming ministry!

The new head of the Karelian Metropolis arrived in Petrozavodsk today; at the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Bishop Abel will celebrate his first liturgy in the republic, starting at 9:30. Bishop Abel was appointed head of the Karelian Metropolis by decision of the Russian Orthodox Church. His predecessor, Metropolitan Constantine, has held this position since 2015. He is now retired—the bishop submitted a petition upon reaching the age of 75, and it was accepted. I am forever grateful to Metropolitan Constantine for his years of tireless work and ascetic service to the Church, including 11 years on Karelian soil. And in this responsible post, I wish the help of God to the new head of the Karelian Metropolis, Bishop Abel, in his upcoming ministry!