Paul Olmari

Archbishop Paul (Finnish: Arkkipiispa Paavali, secular name Yrjö Olmari, born Georgi Alvovich Gusev, Russian: Георгий Алвович Гусев;[1][failed verification] August 28, 1914 – December 2, 1988) was the primate of the Finnish Orthodox Church and Archbishop of Karelia and All Finland from 1960 to 1987.

In late 1937, Yrjö joined the Valaam Monastery on Lake Lodoga, which at the time was within the borders of Finland.

In 1938 at the age of twenty three, Yrjö was tonsured a monk with the name Paavali (Finnish form of Paul) and entered Holy Orders.

Paavali was initially called to service as a military chaplain and took part in the evacuation of Valaam monastery.

After the war Paavali served the Joensuu community as a priest, and was appointed editor at the Council of the Publication of Orthodox Literature.

In 1948 he was assigned as priest to a congregation in Kuopio where he also began editing liturgical service books and scores for church vocal music.