Archbishop Apostolos leadership transition

Archbishop-elect Apostolos transitioned from his role as Metropolitan of New Jersey to his new leadership position within the Orthodox Church of Canada. A farewell dinner was held in Garfield, New Jersey, to honor his six-year tenure in the New Jersey Metropolis, where Archbishop Elpidophoros presented him with a pastoral staff and an enkolpion.

On September 19, 2026, Archbishop Apostolos was officially enthroned as the new Archbishop of Canada during a ceremony at St. Nicholas Cathedral in Toronto. The event, presided over by Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain on behalf of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, was attended by various Greek and Canadian dignitaries. Having been elected unanimously by the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in July 2026, his new role focuses on leading the Church in Canada and strengthening ties within the Greek diaspora.

The enthronement ceremony included high-ranking officials from both the Greek and Canadian governments. Representing the Greek government were Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis and Minister of Education Sofia Zacharaki. Canadian political figures in attendance included Ontario Premier Doug Ford, former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow. Archbishop Apostolos’s leadership is expected to emphasize engaging the youth and supporting Greek-language education in Canada.