Secretary dismissed following threat to Jari Rönkkö in Kuopio, Finland

The secretary of the Metropolitan of Kuopio and Karelia, Kaj Appelberg, has been dismissed from his position following a threatening incident directed at Jari Rönkkö, the head of the Orthodox service center. Archbishop Leo confirmed that Appelberg’s employment will end after a six-month notice period without work obligations, attributing the termination to the threat made towards Rönkkö.

Rönkkö revealed that he filed a police report on Monday regarding the threat to his life and safety, although he chooses not to disclose the identity of the individual who made the threat. He emphasized the importance of allowing law enforcement to handle the investigation without interference.

Appelberg has also gained public attention for expressing pro-Russian sentiments on social media, stating that he believes the values of the Russian Orthodox Church are superior to those in Finland. In his commentary, he expressed it is a shame to be an Orthodox Christian in Finland today. When interviewed, Appelberg acknowledged his previous statements, clarifying that he expressed these views as a private citizen rather than in his capacity as the metropolitan’s secretary.