Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey has been elected the new Archbishop of Canada by the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, succeeding Archbishop Sotirios of Canada and bringing a new leader to the Greek Orthodox community after a major leadership transition.
The election brings Apostolos, who has served as Metropolitan of New Jersey, to a new leadership role within the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada, which serves Greek Orthodox communities across the country under the spiritual authority of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
His appointment highlights the continuing connections among Greek Orthodox communities throughout the North American diaspora.
Succeeding Archbishop Sotirios of Canada
Metropolitan Apostolos succeeds Archbishop Sotirios of Canada, who resigned from his position in June 2026 after decades of leading the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada.
Archbishop Sotirios had served as the spiritual leader of Greek Orthodox Christians in Canada for many years, overseeing the growth of parishes, community institutions, and religious programs across the country.
His resignation opened the way for the Ecumenical Patriarchate to elect a new archbishop to guide the Canadian archdiocese into its next chapter. Apostolos’ election now marks a transition in leadership for a community with deep roots in Canada’s Greek diaspora.
From New Jersey to Canada’s Greek Orthodox community
Before his election as Archbishop of Canada, Apostolos served as Metropolitan of New Jersey, where he led one of the major regions of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.
During his ministry, he worked with Greek Orthodox parishes and communities, supporting religious life, education, and cultural traditions among Greek Americans.
His move to Canada marks a new chapter in a career shaped by service to the Greek Orthodox faithful in North America.
A new leader under the Ecumenical Patriarchate
The Archbishop of Canada leads the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada, which operates under the jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, one of the historic centers of Orthodox Christianity.
The role involves overseeing parishes, clergy, and community institutions while preserving the religious and cultural heritage of Greek Orthodox Christians in Canada.
The Greek Orthodox presence in Canada has deep roots, with communities established by generations of Greek immigrants who built churches, schools, and cultural organizations across the country.
Strengthening ties across the Greek diaspora
Apostolos’ election comes at a time when Greek Orthodox communities across North America continue to balance tradition with the challenges of serving younger generations and maintaining cultural identity.
For many members of the Greek diaspora, the Church remains a central institution connecting faith, language, heritage, and community life.
The new archbishop’s background in the United States also reflects the close relationship between Greek Orthodox communities across North America.
The date of Apostolos’ enthronement as Archbishop of Canada will be announced by the Church.
His leadership will begin as the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada enters a new period focused on strengthening parish life, supporting clergy, and continuing the mission of the Orthodox Church among Greek Canadians.
Related: The Legendary Greek Priest Who Served Four Generations of Canadians
See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email!
