Electing the new Archibishop
Posted by evdomada on January 31, 2008
The election of the new Archbishop scheduled for 7 February has prompted feverish talks within the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece. Alliances have already been forged, however, it is those Metropolitans who have yet to decide which side to align themselves to that will determine the final result. Although no Metropolitan has officially announced his interest in claiming the post of Archbishop of Athens and all Greece, it seems that five of them will enter the election race.
The Five Probable Candidates
The five Metropolitans that are more likely to claim the post are those of Thessaloniki, Thebes and Levadeia, Sparta, Syros and Demetrias.
Anthimos of Thessaloniki, 74, is known to a much wider public, as a recent poll has suggested. However, he seems to be lacking support from a really powerful group of Hierarchs. His usual interventions regarding national affairs could attract those Hierarchs who believe that the Church should play an active role in society.
Ieronymos of Thebes and Levadeia, 70, also a candidate in 1998, enjoys a concrete group of supporters. Yet, it is uncertain whether his supporters prove enough to earn him the post. He champions spirituality in ecclesiastic administration over secular ideas, and holds excellent ties with the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Bartholomew.
Efstathios of Sparta, 68, is the chairman of the committee handling the Church’s finances. He also addressed the crisis with the Ecumenical Patriarchate in his capacity as the Greek Church’s Press spokesman. Although endorsed by Metropolitans of both the new and the old generation, their rally is not viewed as concrete. He also has good relations with ecclesiastical organizations.
Dorotheos of Syros, 55, has been recently ordained. But his election sparked a fiery conflict between late Archbishop Christodoulos and the so-called Chrysopigi brotherhood. Dorotheos appears to have staunch supporters outside the Church, while it has excellent ties with the Catholics.
Ignatios of Demetrias, 52, is Christodoulos spiritual child. Although a member of the Chrysopigi brotherhood, the exact number of the brotherhood’s member that will finally offer their backing to him is open to discussion.
On 7 February, the Hierarchs will hold a closed session at the Athens Cathedral for as many hours as it will take to elect the new Archbishop
Translated by Areti Christou
