One of the key resolutions made by the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, which convened today at the Phanar, was the establishment of the Metropolis of Ireland.
Furthemore, the Metropolis of Ireland will be established, separating it from the Archdiocese of Thyateira due to the growing congregation in Ireland. Bishop Iakovos of Zinoupolis was appointed as the Metropolitan for this newly established Metropolis. This initiative was initiated at the request of Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain.
Additionally, in response to Archbishop Elpidophoros of America’s request, the Holy Synod elected two Auxiliary Bishops, Archimandrites Antonios Avramopoulos and Nektarios Papazafeiropoulos. Both newly elected Bishops have formally accepted their appointments through the announcement of their election (Mikro Minima) and the reading of the Formal Election Announcement (Mega Minima).
Read the announcement of the Ecumenical Patriarchate
The Holy Synod convened today, Friday, March 22, 2024, under the chairmanship of the Ecumenical Patriarch.
During the meeting, the Ecumenical Patriarch and the newly appointed Synodal Hierarchs, led by Metropolitan Makarios of Anea, exchanged customary salutations and responses.
The Holy and Sacred Synod unanimously enacted the following canonical decisions:
a) In response to the substantiated request from Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain, the Synod approved the establishment of the “Holy Metropolis of Ireland” as a new ecclesiastical entity, addressing the needs of the increasing Orthodox community in Ireland. Bishop Iakovos of Zinoupolis was elected as the Metropolitan of this newly formed Metropolis.
b) Following the canonical request of the Holy Eparchial Synod of America, the Synod elected two assistant bishops to Archbishop Elpidophoros of America. Archimandrite Nektarios Papazafeiropoulos, serving as the Protosyncellus of the Holy Archdiocese of America, was appointed to the Diocese of Diokleia, while Archimandrite Antonios Avramopoulos was assigned to the Diocese of Synadon. Their election was announced through both a Mikro Minima and a Mega Minima on the same day.
Additionally, all pertinent agenda matters were thoroughly addressed and appropriate decisions were made.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas