In an official announcement, the Metropolis of Symi announced the election of Archimandrite Antonios Patros as the new Bishop of Rodostolos, by the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, which is currently in session at the Phanar.
The nomination of Archimandrite Antonios, Abbot of the Holy Monastery of Archangel Michael of Panormitis, was submitted by Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Symi, who has been at the Phanar for the past two days.
Both the Metropolitan and the faithful of Symi expressed their gratitude to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the Synod for this great honor bestowed upon the clergyman, an honor that also extends to the Holy Metropolis of Symi.
They congratulated the newly elected Bishop, wishing that the Grace of the Triune God, through the protection of the Archangel Michael of Panormitis, may strengthen, enlighten, and guide him in his new and responsible episcopal ministry, to the glory of God and the praise of the local Church.
The ordination of the newly elected Bishop of Rodostol will take place on Sunday, November 30, at the Holy Metropolitan Church of Saint John the Forerunner in Symi, according to the tradition of the Mother Church.
Biography of the Newly Elected Bishop of Rodostolos
Born: March 7, 1964, on the island of Halki (Chalki), Dodecanese.
Education:
Attended the Elementary School of Halki.
Completed secondary education at the Venetokleion Gymnasium and the Evening General Lyceum of Rhodes.
Enrolled in the Higher Ecclesiastical School of Athens in 1985.
Graduated from the Faculty of Theology of the University of Athens with a degree in Theology.
Monastic and Clerical Life:
Tonsured a monk on January 5, 1988, at the Holy Monastery of Panagia Phaneromeni in Ixia, Rhodes.
Ordained Deacon the following day at the Metropolitan Church of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary in Rhodes by the late Metropolitan Spyridon Synodinos of Rhodes.
Ordained Priest on October 13, 1988, by the late Metropolitan Apostolos Dimelis of Rhodes, at the Church of Saint Nicholas in Halki.
Served as parish priest there until 1992, then transferred to the Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Theotokos in Rhodes.
Military Chaplaincy:
In 1995, joined the Corps of Military Chaplains of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff.
Served with the 95th Higher Command of National Guard Battalions (95 Α.Δ.Τ.Ε.) based in Rhodes.
Participated in peacekeeping missions in Kosovo (ELDYKO), Afghanistan, Albania, and Bosnia.
Return to Ecclesiastical Service:
After retiring from the army in 2005, returned to the clergy of the Metropolis of Rhodes.
Served as parish priest of the Church of Saint John the Forerunner in Rhodes.
Appointed Abbot of the Holy Monastery of Panagia Phaneromeni in Ixia (2005–2018).
Acted as Property Management Officer of the Metropolis of Rhodes (2006–2018).
Ministry in the Metropolis of Symi:
On April 26, 2018, joined the clergy of the Holy Metropolis of Symi and was entered into the monastic registry of the Monastery of Archangel Michael Panormitis.
Appointed Acting Abbot of the Monastery by Metropolitan Chrysostomos II of Symi.
Enthroned as Canonical Abbot on December 8, 2018.
Awarded the offikion (title) of Archimandrite of the Ecumenical Throne by the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
Episcopal Election:
On October 16, 2025, elected by the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate—upon the favorable recommendation of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew—as Assistant Bishop to the Holy Metropolis of Symi, bearing the title of the ancient and historic Diocese of Rodostolos.
