The Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate convened on Thursday, January 8, 2026, under the presidency of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, to examine matters on its agenda and proceeded with the election of two new auxiliary bishops.
During the session, the Synod elected Archimandrite Bartholomew Iatridis as Bishop of Elaia, who will serve as auxiliary bishop to the Metropolis of Sweden and All Scandinavia. At the same time, Archimandrite Ambrosios Stambliakas was elected Bishop of Sinope, assuming duties as auxiliary bishop to the Metropolis of France.
Prior to the elections, at the opening of the Synodal session, traditional festive greetings for the New Year were exchanged between the Ecumenical Patriarch and Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon, in a spirit of ecclesiastical communion and goodwill.
In addition to the episcopal elections, the Holy and Sacred Synod approved the resignation of Metropolitan Eireneos of Lambi, Syvritos and Sfakia, which had been submitted to the Holy Provincial Synod of the Church of Crete. The Ecumenical Patriarchate officially informed the Church of Crete of the decision and the steps to be taken thereafter.
The decisions of the Synod reflect the continued pastoral care of the Ecumenical Patriarchate for the orderly governance and strengthening of its local Churches.
