Piispa

Piispa is the Finnish term for bishop, a senior cleric who heads a diocese or equivalent jurisdiction within episcopal Christian churches. In Finland, the title is used in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland and in the Finnish Orthodox Church, and historically in the Catholic Church prior to the establishment of the national church structures. A piispa serves as the chief pastor, teacher, and administrator of the diocese, responsible for ordaining clergy, confirming the faithful, safeguarding doctrine and liturgical practice, and representing the diocese in ecumenical and public affairs. The bishop also oversees diocesan institutions such as seminaries and charitable activities and may appoint deans or other regional church officials.

Etymology and terminology: The Finnish term piispa is part of the broader episcopal vocabulary used across Nordic and Finnic languages and reflects the traditional Christian office of the episcopate. The rank above a bishop in some churches is archbishop, rendered in Finnish as arkipiispa or arkkipiispa.

Denominational variations: In the Lutheran Church of Finland, bishops are elected by regional church bodies or synods and then consecrated by other bishops, serving as heads of their respective dioceses. In the Finnish Orthodox Church, bishops govern their eparchies within the wider Orthodox Church framework, typically under metropolitan or synodal structures. In Catholic history in Finland, bishops were appointed under canon law prior to the current ecclesial arrangements, with responsibilities similar in principle to those of other bishops.

Historical and contemporary role: Bishops have long been central to church leadership, combining spiritual oversight with administrative and educational duties. Today, piispas in Finland are visible leaders who shape liturgical practice, clergy formation, and church policy within their communities.