A major development has emerged from the Archdiocese of Crete, where an ongoing situation in Heraklion threatens to shake the Holy Eparchial Synod of the Church of Crete to its core.
According to local media reports, Archimandrite Melchisedek has filed an official extrajudicial notice (legal complaint) against the Archdiocese, claiming that a Metropolitan currently under indictment is illegally participating in the proceedings of the Holy Synod.
Further reports indicate that in his statement, Archimandrite Melchisedek refers to circumstances that, in his view, invalidate the current Synod meeting, requesting that all proceedings be suspended indefinitely until his own canonical case, the one that excluded him from the list of eligible candidates for the episcopal elections—is resolved by a church tribunal.
He also contends that a disciplinary penalty was imposed on him without a prior episcopal court hearing, arguing that the acting locum tenens who issued it had no jurisdiction to do so.
Sources note that the complaint is accompanied by a legal opinion from a prominent academic professor of Canon Law, adding further weight to his claims.
Initially, according to local media outlets, no one wanted to officially receive the extrajudicial notice, but to avoid it being publicly posted, it was ultimately accepted and reportedly occupied a significant portion of the Synod’s meeting time.
It remains unclear whether the Metropolitans of the Church of Crete have reached a decision following their discussion, either by preparing an official response or by choosing to proceed with the election process of the new Metropolitan despite Melchisedek’s objections.
The background
Nearly seven months after the passing of the late Metropolitan Damaskinos, the Holy Eparchial Synod of the Church of Crete is convening today to elect the new Metropolitan of Kydonia and Apokoronas, in what local observers describe as one of the most pivotal sessions in recent years.
The election comes after a turbulent period marked by tension between the Church of Crete, the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and the Greek State. The government’s recent amendment banning the transfer of Metropolitans, a move intended to prevent the current locum tenens, Metropolitan Amphilochios of Kissamos and Selino, from being elected, has fueled widespread debate. Reports also cite the threat of revising the Charter of the Church of Crete and a recent meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the Maximos Mansion, adding further complexity to an already charged atmosphere.
According to local media, this combination of ecclesiastical politics and state involvement could lead to unpredictable developments unless handled with caution and prudence.
Archbishop Eugenios of Crete, who has so far maintained a discreet stance, has decided to proceed with the Synod and the canonical election of the new Metropolitan from the official list of eligible candidates.
The choice of October 31 for the session was not coincidental. It allowed more than a month for internal consultations and negotiations aimed at finding the most suitable successor to lead one of Crete’s most influential dioceses.
The Metropolis of Kydonia and Apokoronas, based in Chania, holds significant pastoral and cultural importance, with historic monasteries and strong social presence. It also carries political weight, given that it is the home region of Greece’s Prime Minister.
So far, three names are being discussed for the position:
- Bishop Methodios Vernidakis of Knossos, considered the leading candidate,
- Archimandrite Parthenios Kalygiannakis, Chancellor of the Metropolis of Rethymno, and
- Archimandrite Titos Tampakakis, Chancellor of the Metropolis of Petra and Hersonissos.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
