The Synod of the Patriarchate of Constantinople Began Its Session at the Phanar: Key Items on the Agenda

In the Phanar district of Istanbul, a session of the Holy Synod of the Patriarchate of Constantinople began under the chairmanship of Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople. According to the Orthodoxia News Agency ( ), the central item on the agenda was the election of a new archbishop of Canada.

The need to appoint a new primate of the Canadian diocese arose following the voluntary resignation of His Eminence Metropolitan Sotirios. After 52 years of pastoral ministry in Canada, the hierarch decided to step down from his administrative duties, which he officially announced during a recent Divine Liturgy at St. Nicholas Cathedral in Toronto.

In addition to administrative matters, current church issues were discussed during the meeting. Particular attention was given to the recent visit to Istanbul by Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem. During their private meeting, the primates of the two Churches addressed issues of interchurch cooperation and the situation in the Middle East. Patriarch Bartholomew expressed deep concern over the situation of Christians in the Holy Land, emphasizing the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s commitment to establishing peace in the region.

As a reminder, we previously reported that Greek church media had criticized Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem. The reason for this was a disagreement between the head of the Church of Jerusalem and Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople on a number of fundamental issues, including recognition of the Ukrainian schism. Patriarch Theophilos was also reminded of the Council in Amman, and accused of excessive allegiance to the Moscow Patriarchate.