Diocesan Voters Choose Bishop Hierotheus and Bishop Michael as Candidates for New Metropolitan of Sliven

Bishop Michael of Constantia and Bishop Hierotheus of Agatopol

OCP News Service – 21/02/2024

Sofia – Bulgaria: The diocesan voters of the Sliven Diocese have chosen Bishop Hierotheus of Agatopol and Bishop Michael of Constantia as the two candidates for the new Metropolitan of Sliven. The election was held on February 18,2024, in Sliven, with 42 voters from the seven spiritual districts participating.

First Round

Bishop Hierotheus of Agatopol received the most votes in the first round, with 26 votes. However, he did not reach the required majority to be directly elected. Other notable results in the first round include, Bishop Arseniy of Znepol – 17 votes and Bishop Michael of Constantia – 11 votes.

Second Round

In the second round, only the remaining candidates participated. Bishop Michael of Constantia secured more than half the votes, emerging as the second candidate. Bishop Arseniy of Znepol again received a significant number of votes, with 17.

Next Steps

On February 24, the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church (BOC) will review the election documents and reports. If the election is deemed valid, a final canonical election will be held on February 25, where the Holy Synod members will choose the new Metropolitan from the two shortlisted candidates. The newly elected Metropolitan will become a permanent member of the Holy Synod.

The election process involved secret ballots and was overseen by Metropolitan John of Varna and Veliky Preslav. Election process was started following the death of Metropolitan Ioanikiyon January 9, 2024.

Source: 
OCP News Service