Shuffling in Malta, Portugal, Spain, and Italy

(Orthodox Times) - The Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, chaired by the Ecumenical Patriarch, met for the three days, from the 12th to the 14th of January 2021, at the Holy Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi in Valoukli, where they ratified the minutes of previous sessions and addressed the issues on the agenda.

On the 14th of January, the Holy Synod, following the suggestion of the Ecumenical Patriarch, proceeded to fulfil the demand of the Orthodox Archdiocese of Italy, after having previously removed from its jurisdiction Malta, which will henceforth be an Exarchate of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Metropolitan Polykarpos of Spain and Portugal, who had served for some years as Protosyggellos, was elected the new Shepherd of Italy.

Archimandrite Bissarion Komzias was elected Metropolitan of Spain and Portugal. He will be ordained a bishop at the Phanar on the 25th of January, on the Feast of St. Gregory the Theologian.

Finally, following a proposal made by Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain, the Holy Synod elected the Auxiliary Bishop Athanasios of Tropaion Metropolitan of Kolonya (Asia Minor) as a reward for his long service.

In addition, during the sitting of the Holy Synod, the defrocking of the presbyter of Australia, Konstantinos Thermos, and the monk of Mount Athos, Theonas Lavriotos, was lifted and they were restored to priesthood.

Also, the Holy Synod congratulated Archbishop Makarios of Australia who paid tribute to the memory of the late Archbishop Stylianos through the release of the film on his life and work and through the publication of a Tomos dedicated to him.