The Ecumenical Patriarchate Archons in Canada (EPAC) have welcomed the unanimous election of His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey as the new Archbishop of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada, describing the decision as a historic moment for the Archdiocese.
In a statement issued following Wednesday’s election by the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate under the presidency of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the Archons congratulated Archbishop-elect Apostolos and said they looked forward to welcoming him to Canada as he begins his pastoral ministry.
The EPAC described the Archbishop-elect as a distinguished hierarch of the Mother Church of Constantinople whose experience, dedication, and commitment to the Church would enable him to build upon the legacy of Archbishop Sotirios.
The Archons said they joined Orthodox faithful across Canada in receiving their new spiritual shepherd with love and joy, while also expressing profound gratitude to Archbishop Sotirios for his lifetime of devoted service to the Church. They praised his humility and credited him with playing a pivotal role in strengthening Orthodox Christianity and preserving Hellenic traditions throughout Canada.
The statement also affirmed that, during the period of transition, the Archons would continue to faithfully support the Ecumenical Patriarchate, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, and His Eminence Archbishop-elect Apostolos.
EPAC President Archon Evagelos Sotiropoulos described the election as “a truly historic day” for the Archdiocese of Canada. Speaking on behalf of the Archons, he expressed sincere gratitude to the Ecumenical Patriarch and the Holy and Sacred Synod for electing Metropolitan Apostolos, adding that the Archbishop-elect’s love for the Church and steadfast commitment to its mission would inspire and nurture the spiritual lives of Orthodox faithful across Canada.
Concluding their statement, the Archons reiterated their deep appreciation and respect for Archbishop Sotirios and expressed confidence that, under the leadership of Archbishop-elect Apostolos, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada would continue to grow and flourish.
Read the full statement:
Today, Wednesday, July 22, 2026, the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, under the Chairmanship of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, unanimously elected the current Metropolitan of New Jersey, His Eminence Apostolos, as the new Archbishop of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada.
The Ecumenical Patriarchate Archons in Canada (EPAC) congratulate Archbishop-elect Apostolos and look forward to welcoming him to Canada as he commences his pastoral ministry.
His Eminence is an accomplished and distinguished clergyman of the Mother Church of Constantinople, whose experience and commitment to the Church will serve him well as he works to build upon the legacy of His Eminence Archbishop Sotirios.
As the Archons join all Orthodox faithful in Canada in receiving with love and joy our new Shepherd in Jesus Christ, we also add our collective voice of gratitude to the many individuals who have paid tribute to Archbishop Sotirios for his lifetime of fruitful service to the Church, his humble demeanor, and his unparalleled success to grow Orthodoxy and preserve Hellenic traditions in Canada.
During this period of transition, the EPAC will continue to faithfully serve and support the First Throne of Orthodoxy; Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew; and, now Archbishop-elect Apostolos as well.
“This is a truly historic day for the Archdiocese of Canada,” said Archon Evagelos Sotiropoulos, President of the EPAC. “On behalf of all Archons, I am sincerely thankful to His All-Holiness and to the Holy and Sacred Synod for electing His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos to lead the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada. His love for and commitment to the Church will surely inspire and nurture the spiritual lives of all the faithful in Canada.”
In closing, the Archons in Canada reiterate their deep appreciation and respect to His Eminence Archbishop Sotirios and look forward to strengthening and growing the Archdiocese in Canada under the leadership of Archbishop-elect Apostolos. Axios!