Bishop Arseniy of Znepol Elected New Metropolitan of Sliven

OCP News Service – 27/05/2024

Sofia – Bulgaria: On May 26, 2024, the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church (BOC-BP) elected Bishop Arseniy of Znepol as the new Metropolitan of Sliven. The election took place at the synodal chapel “St. Prince Boris-Mihail” in Sofia.

The election followed the Holy Liturgy on the 4th Sunday after Easter. Bishop Arseniy received seven votes from the twelve members of the Holy Synod. The other candidate, Bishop Gerasim of Melnysh , received five votes.

Metropolitan Gregory of Vratsa, Vice-President of the Holy Synod, announced the results and declared Bishop Arseniy the new Metropolitan of Sliven. He wished Bishop Arseniy a successful and God-pleasing ministry in his new role.

Election process was started following the death of Metropolitan Ioanikiy on January 9, 2024.

Short Bio:

Bishop Arseniy of Znepol is the youngest in the Bulgarian Orthodox Church at 37. Born Atanas Lazarov, he graduated from Sofia Seminary and holds degrees in Theology. He became a monk in 2007 and rose quickly, serving as priest, director of Orthodox TV, and spiritual supervisor. In 2014, at the exceptional age of 28, he was ordained Bishop.

Source: 
OCP News Service