The two newly elected Metropolitans of the Church of Crete, Metropolitan Titos of Kydonia and Apokoronas and Metropolitan Ioakeim of Lambi, Syvritos and Sfakia, formally accepted their election to the high pastoral office by delivering the traditional Mikro Minima (Announcement of Election) before the members of the Holy Eparchial Synod of the Church of Crete.
According to information reported by local media, the episcopal ordination of Metropolitan Titos of Kydonia and Apokoronas is scheduled to take place on 7 February, while the ordination of Metropolitan Ioakeim of Lambi, Syvritos and Sfakia will follow on 15 February.
Addressing the two newly elected hierarchs, Archbishop Eugenios of Crete spoke with warm and encouraging words, expressing his firm confidence that they would prove worthy of the sacred mission entrusted to them and would meet the expectations of both the clergy and the faithful. He also made special reference to their predecessors in the Metropolises of Chania and Spili, highlighting the continuity and depth of ecclesiastical ministry on the island of Crete.
Metropolitan Titos, until recently Protosyncellus of the Holy Metropolis of Petra and Cherronisos, expressed heartfelt gratitude and respect toward Metropolitan Gerasimos for his guidance and example. Likewise, Metropolitan Ioakeim, formerly Protosyncellus of the Holy Metropolis of Gortyna and Arkadia, referred with deep reverence to the person and pastoral legacy of Metropolitan Makarios.
A particularly moving moment occurred during the reading of the Mikro Minima by Metropolitan Ioakeim, who was visibly overcome with emotion and unable to hold back his tears, creating a deeply emotional atmosphere among those present.
It is recalled that the electoral process was concluded swiftly, with Titos Tampakakis being elected unanimously to the Metropolis of Kydonia and Apokoronas, while Ioakeim Karandininos was elected to the Metropolis of Lambi, Syvritos and Sfakia by an overwhelming majority of eight votes to one.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
