A sincere discussion in a calm atmosphere of mutual respect, without substantially initiating changes to the circumstances that developed in the previous period, was the result of the meeting between Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and the Archbishop of Crete Eugenios, in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis, Education Minister Sofia Zacharaki, Crete Regional Governor Stavros Arnaoutakis and metropolitans of the Church of Crete.
Mitsotakis says “no” to withdrawing the transfer amendment
On the table of today’s meeting at the Maximos Mansion was the government amendment that was initiated and voted – following a request from the Ecumenical Patriarchate – which puts the brakes on the “transferable,” meaning the transfer of metropolitans of the Church of Crete from one ecclesiastical province to another. According to well-informed sources, the Archbishop and Crete Regional Governor requested the withdrawal of this amendment, with Mr. Mitsotakis refusing. In fact, it was explained to the Cretan delegation that the regulation remains in force, that there is no intention by the government to back down from its position, while the competent minister explained in detail how the interpretive provision – amendment was issued following a request from the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
It should be noted that the controversial amendment, voted by the government, modifies the legal interpretation of Article 22 of the Constitutional Charter of the Church of Crete, essentially limiting the possibility of moving (transferring) active metropolitans from one Metropolis to another. This legislative intervention caused intense reactions, as it was considered a direct violation of the autonomy of the Church of Crete. Although Education Minister Sofia Zacharaki had clarified from the first moment that the amendment had the consent of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Church of Crete clearly expressed its disagreement.
At the same time, both the prime minister and Ms. Zacharaki emphasized in the meeting that the government has no intention to intervene in the election of the new metropolitan of Kydonia. Also, both sides underlined their willingness for further close cooperation while the government expressed particular appreciation for the important work performed by the Church of Crete. However, the prime minister requested moderate tones. It is noted that recently the Archbishop of Crete, Eugenios, had publicly expressed his opposition to the amendment during the divine liturgy on August 25. He characterized it as “a blow to the autonomy of the Church of Crete” and reminded that the local Church is entirely subject to the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Mr. Eugenios had not even excluded the possibility that the Church of Crete would proceed with implementing the “transferable,” stating characteristically: “We will proceed in the future as we know; and the congregation of the Church of Crete knows that its spiritual leaders have neither selfish interests nor personal benefits.”
Now, after the meeting at the Maximos Mansion, the margins for moves by the Archbishop of Crete and the Holy Synod of the Church of Crete are “narrowing,” as they will have to proceed with electing a new metropolitan of Kydonia, without using the “transferable.” “Unless there is a meeting of the Archbishop of Crete with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, which would change the Phanar’s position, thus changing the circumstances,” as informed ecclesiastical sources comment.
The discussion about the transfer and candidates for Kydonia metropolis
It should be remembered that the entire discussion about the “transferable” in the Church of Crete returned to the forefront with the passing of the Metropolitan of Kydonia and Apokoronas, Damaskinos, and the beginning of the process to select his successor. The rumored candidacy of the Metropolitan of Kissamos and Selinos, Amphilochios, brought the issue of the “transferable” back into the spotlight.
However, according to information, the elections for the successor of the late Damaskinos are expected within the coming weeks, and certainly within October, with candidate names being heard, such as those of archimandrite Nikiforos Kounalis, the chief secretary of the Archbishopric, Mr. Bartholomew, and also the Bishop of Knossos, Methodios.
