Bishop Gerasim elected Bishop of Dallas and the South

The Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) has canonically elected Bishop Gerasim (Eliel) as the Bishop of Dallas and the South. The election took place on November 2, 2026, during a meeting at St. Vladimir’s Seminary in Yonkers, New York, under the presidency of Metropolitan Tikhon.

Bishop Gerasim, an alumnus of St. Vladimir’s Seminary, has served as the Locum Tenens of the Diocese of the South since the retirement of Archbishop Alexander in July 2026. His election follows a nomination by clergy and lay delegates at a Special Nominating Assembly held in Jacksonville, Florida, in July.

Metropolitan Tikhon has directed that Bishop Gerasim be commemorated as the Bishop of the South at all divine services effective immediately. His formal enthronement is scheduled for November 14, 2026, at St. Seraphim Cathedral in Dallas, Texas.