On May 26, 2024, the Synod of the Bulgarian Patriarchate convened for the canonical election of the new Metropolitan of Sliven.
With 7 out of 12 votes, Bishop Arsenij of Znepol was elected as Metropolitan of Sliven by the Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. He garnered support from Metropolitans Gregory of Veliko Tarnovo, Ignatij of Pleven, Nikolaj of Plovdiv, Antonij of Western and Central Europe, Naum of Ruthenia, Kiprian of Stara Zagora, and Jakov of Dorostol.
Metropolitan Grigorij of Vratsa announced the election of Bishop Ignatij of Znepol as Metropolitan of Sliven.
Following the completion of voting, Metropolitan Gregory announced the election result: a total of 12 ballots were cast, with 7 votes for Bishop Arsenij of Znepol to be the new Metropolitan of Sliven. The second candidate, Bishop Gerasim of Melnik, received 5 votes.
Based on the outcome, Metropolitan Gregory of Vratsa officially declared Bishop Arsenij of Znepol as canonically elected Metropolitan of Sliven, extending heartfelt wishes for a successful and God-pleasing ministry.
Source: bg-patriarshia.bg
