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The Holy and Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate is in sessiontranslated

July 22, 2026 · 1 min read

The Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate is meeting from today in Fanari under the Presidency of His Holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch, Mr. Bartholomew. According to the information and what ope.gr has written, the Holy and Sacred Synod will be called today to pre-qualify with its vote the successor of the Archbishop of Canada Mr. Sotiriou.

His Eminence, after 52 years of Episcopal ministry in the Province of the Ecumenical Throne in Canada, submitted his resignation from his administrative duties handing over the baton, as he said during his last Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas in Toronto, as Acting Pastor.

The visit of Jerusalem to Fanari Yesterday, the Ecumenical Patriarch Mr. Bartholomew, welcomed with cordiality and brotherly love His Beatitude the Patriarch of Jerusalem, His Excellency. Theophilos III, who, following a wish he had expressed, visited the Seat of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

In their private meeting, the two Prelates had the opportunity to discuss ecclesiastical and other topical issues of mutual interest.

His Holiness expressed to His Beatitude his own interest...

Source: Orthodoxia News Agency · Read the full story →

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💬 Comments (4) 🌐 Show original

Михайло Бондаренко

It is interesting that after 52 years of service, bishop Sotyriy handed over the case himself. And who exactly will the Synod approve as the successor in Canada today?

Laura Baker

I hope the Synod chooses someone with real pastoral heart for the Canadian parishes — after 52 years it’s a big transition for the people in Toronto and beyond. Interesting that Patriarch Theophilos chose to visit the Phanar right now too.

Олег Бондаренко

It is interesting that Bishop Sotyriy handed over the "sceptre" himself after 52 years, as he said at the service in Toronto. And it would be interesting to hear who the Synod will approve as a successor in Canada today. And the fact that Patriarch Feofil came to Phanar just yesterday is probably not a coincidence either.

Леся Ткаченко

Yes, it is interesting that it was after 52 years that Bishop Sotyriy himself decided to hand over the case. As for the successor, I hope the Synod will choose a person who knows Canadian parishes well and will be able to continue his work. And the arrival of Patriarch Feofilo really does not seem accidental, maybe something was discussed in common.