Is a Metropolis based in Chania, Crete, so important that it involves a dozen Metropolitans—even the Ecumenical Patriarch himself? And yet, the succession to the Metropolis of Kydonia and Apokoronas concerns more than just the local Church.
It is a question of a Church’s self-sufficiency. Will Crete become a satellite of the Patriarchate, or will it preserve its autonomous character? That is what is at stake.
The Ecumenical Patriarchate seeks to “absorb” the stavropegial institutions. The Cretan Metropolitans, on the other hand, aim to preserve their established rights. History shows it also carries national implications. If the Ecumenical Patriarchate acquires de facto authority over the Church within national territory, it could pave the way for further administrative claims by the Phanar—such as in the New Lands and beyond.
Behind the individual
The essence of the matter does not lie in the individual who will assume leadership of the Metropolis, but in the future of the Church itself. Who will hold control over the patriarchal stavropegial monasteries? The Ecumenical Patriarchate refers to matters of canonical jurisdiction. The Metropolitans, however, warn that their provinces risk being “brought to their knees” if the stavropegia fall entirely under the Phanar’s control.
What does this mean in practice? That the revenues of the monasteries—which are the lifeblood of the Cretan Metropolises—will be redirected to the Patriarchate. The Metropolises would thus be deprived of essential resources for their very survival.
According to rough estimates, nearly 90% of the income of the Metropolises comes from these monasteries. It is a complex and delicate equation. That is why the Metropolitans, with discernment and concern, recently traveled to the Phanar.
The Metropolitans of Kissamos, Petra, Ierapytni, Sitia, and Rethymno have expressed the collective voice of the Church of Crete. The Patriarchate views this as a push for greater autonomy by the Church of Crete. Yet, in Crete, voices are heard suggesting that if the bishops of Crete are not elected by the Synod of the Patriarchate, they should not participate in it —arguing that only the Archbishop of Crete should hold a seat.
The suitable
Beyond everything that lies between the lines, one fundamental question remains: Who is truly suitable to become a Metropolitan? Hierarchs should not be the product of backroom negotiations or diplomatic compromises —and this applies not only to Crete.
A modern Metropolitan must be a capable manager. Someone who understands the scope of his responsibilities. Someone with proven experience in administration, solid knowledge, and relevant training. Above all, he must have a deep understanding of society and its needs —able to offer genuine spiritual support, with pastoral sensitivity and a vision rooted in faith.
There are priests who are struggling. Monasteries that are struggling. People who are spiritually and psychologically exhausted. They are collapsing under economic hardship, personal problems, and relentless pressure.
And instead of receiving help, they witness their Hierarchs arguing over jurisdiction and control—over “ours” and “yours.” As if we are not all brothers. As if we are not all one Church. This is what a true leader must teach first and foremost to his flock.
Melchizedek
*Published in the newspaper “Orthodoxi Alitheia”
