The Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate has accepted the resignation of Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver, thereby declaring the Metropolis vacant.
The Synod, convened for a second day on Friday, March 23, under the chairmanship of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, elected Metropolitan Isaiah as the new Metropolitan of Lystra
Afterward, the newly elected Metropolitan of Ireland officially announced the election results (mikro and mega minima), receiving congratulations from Ecumenical Patriarch and the assembled Hierarchs and members of the Patriarchal Court.
Read the announcement of the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate:
The Holy and Sacred Synod continued its session on March 23, 2024, under the leadership of His All-Holiness, addressing all agenda items and making necessary decisions.
According to it, the Holy and Sacred Synod:
a) accepted the resignation of Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver, as conveyed by Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, thereby declaring the Holy Metropolis vacant, and
b) proceeded to fill the Holy Metropolis of Lystra by electing the former Metropolitan of Denver, Isaiah.
Following that, Metropolitan Iakovos of Zinoupolis announced the election results (mikro and mega minima), and received congratulations from the Ecumenical Patriarch, the Holy Hierarchs, and members of the Patriarchal Court, who wished him an abundance of pastoral success.
The Ecumenical Patriarch and the Holy and Sacred Synod also expressed their deep sorrow upon learning of the deadly terrorist attack in Moscow, condemning it in the strongest terms. They offered their sincere and heartfelt condolences to the Russian people during this tragic time.
At the conclusion of this session, marking the onset of the period of Holy and Great Lent, the Ecumenical Patriarch and Metropolitan Makarios of Anea exchanged blessings and well wishes.
From the Chief Secretariat of the Holy and Sacred Synod
Translated by Thanos Chrysanthopoulos