A delegation from the Church of Crete will travel to the Phanar to resolve the conflict situation that has arisen

Metropolitan Irineos of Lambi, Sivritos and Sfakia has resigned following the recent decision of the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate to transfer him to the Metropolis of Moschonissia. As a result, Orthodox Times reports that the Synodal Delegation of the Church of Crete will travel to the Phanar on December 12, 2025 to discuss the situation.

The decision to transfer Metropolitan Irineos was made last week by the Holy and Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. the 81-year-old Metropolitan submitted his resignation at the beginning of the Synodal meeting held in Heraklion.

The delegation that will travel to the Phanar will include Archbishop Eugene of Crete, Metropolitan Cyril of Hierapitna and Sitia, and attorney Dimitris Milatianakis as Archon Protekdikos of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. The purpose of the visit is to meet with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to discuss the matter.

The transfer of Metropolitan Irineos to the Metropolis of Moschonissia has resulted in another vacant cathedra on the island of Crete in addition to the already vacant Metropolis of Kidonia. This paves the way for the early dispatch of the Patriarchal Exarchate and the election of two new Metropolitans by the remaining members of the Synod.

Commenting on the developments, Metropolitan Andrew of Arkalohori, Kastel and Viannos said, «The Church of Crete loves the Patriarch and our Ecumenical Patriarchate, and everything will turn out very well.»

Recall, earlier we reported that the decisions of the Patriarch of Constantinople risk leading to a split of the Church in Crete. Some of the hierarchs do not agree with the personnel policy of Patriarch Bartholomew, in connection with which a protest potential is formed in Crete against the Phanar.