The North Karelia District Court is set to deliver its verdict today regarding the serious economic crime charges against former Archbishop Leo, whose full name is Leo Makkonen. The accused financial misdeeds are connected to the operations of the Karelian Language Society, which went bankrupt in September 2020, while Makkonen served as the chair of its board. The prosecutor alleges that the society received special state grants amounting to a total of half a million euros from the Ministry of Education and Culture for the years 2017–2019, half of which was allegedly based on false information provided by Makkonen and another official of the society.

Makkonen and his co-defendant have denied the accusations, complicating an already sensitive situation for the Orthodox community in Finland. The charges reflect broader issues related to governance and transparency within religious organizations, particularly concerning their financial dealings with public institutions. As the court prepares to announce its decision, the implications of this case extend beyond legal ramifications, potentially impacting public trust in the Orthodox Church and its administration in Finland.

If found guilty, Makkonen's case could set a precedent for future legal accountability within similar institutions, emphasizing the need for stricter financial oversight and ethical governance. The verdict will be closely watched not only by the interested parties but also by the general public given its potential repercussions on the perception of religious organizations and their financial integrity.