The Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate convened today, Thursday, October 16, 2025, in its new composition, effective from September 1, 2025.
During the opening of the session, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Elder Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon, serving as first among the new Synodal members, exchanged greetings and words of fraternal welcome.
At the request of Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Symi, and upon the recommendation of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the Holy and Sacred Synod proceeded to the canonical election of a new Auxiliary Bishop to the Metropolis of Symi.
Following the canonical vote, held in the Patriarchal Church, the Synod elected the Very Reverend Archimandrite Antonios Patros, Abbot of the Holy Monastery of the Archangel Michael Panormitis of Symi, as Auxiliary Bishop under the title of the historic Diocese of Rodostolos.
The election was received with joy and thanksgiving, marking a moment of grace and continuity for the Holy Metropolis of Symi and the wider Church.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
