The Metropolitans Elder Emmanuel of Chalcedon and Arsenios of Austria will travel to Crete for the commencement of the process for the election of Metropolitans for the vacant Metropolises of Kydonia and Apokoronas and Lambis, Syvritos and Sfakia. This decision was taken today, January 9, 2026, by the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, in response to a request by the Holy Provincial Synod of the Church of Crete.
More specifically, the Holy and Sacred Synod continued its work today under the presidency of the Ecumenical Patriarch, examining all matters included on the agenda and adopting the decisions provided for.
During the session, the draft “Regulation on the Administration of Ecclesiastical Justice for Hierarchs,” prepared by the competent Committee, was approved.
Furthermore, as said above, the Holy Body examined a related written request from the Holy Provincial Synod of the Church of Crete, seeking the supplementation of its membership by two Hierarchs, as required by law and the Holy Canons, in order to proceed with the election of Metropolitans for the vacant dioceses of the island. For this purpose, the Metropolitans Elder Emmanuel of Chalcedon and Arsenios of Austria were appointed, with Deacon Oikoumenios, Undersecretary of the Holy and Sacred Synod, serving as secretary.
In addition, the Formal Announcements (Mega Minima) were delivered by the newly elected Bishop of Elaia, Bartholomew and the newly elected Bishop of Sinope, Ambrosios. Both received the warm congratulations and best wishes of the Ecumenical Patriarch, the Holy Hierarchs, and the members of the Patriarchal Court.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas