Church of Greece to elect new leader

I pray that he be as engaging and ecumenical as his predecessor of blessed repose.

ATHENS, Greece, Feb. 6 (UPI) -- The Church of Greece, commonly known as the Greek Orthodox Church, is preparing to select a new leader.

A total of 75 bishops are expected to gather Thursday in Athens for a Holy Synod, Ekathimerini reported. Four candidates are vying to succeed Archbishop Christodoulos, who died last week.

The bishop of Thebes, Ieronymos, and the bishop of Sparta, Efstathios, appear to be the leading candidates, Ekathimerini said. Anthimos, bishop of Thessaloniki, and Ignatios of Dimitrios are also running.

While the candidate bishops are trying to secure support among their colleagues, they are keeping low profiles.

The synod at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Athens begins with a religious service. At 9 a.m., the cathedral gates will be closed and voting will begin after officials have determined that there is a quorum.

Successive secret ballots will be held until a candidate receives more than 50 percent of the vote.