Archimandrite Meletius Consecrated as Bishop of Znepol

The episcopal ordination of Archimandrite Meletius as Bishop of Znepol took place on September 15, 2024, at the Patriarchal Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky. The Holy Synod elevated Archimandrite Meletius to the episcopal rank following a proposal by Metropolitan Nikolai of Plovdiv. His ordination was attended by numerous high-ranking Metropolitans and clergy, including Eulogius of Adrianople, Polycarp of Belogradchik, and Pachomius of Branitsk.

Before the Divine Litrugy, Bishop-elect Meletius made his episcopal vows, pledging to uphold the canons of the holy Apostles and Ecumenical Councils. The Divine Liturgy was a solemn occasion, with the Sofia Theological Seminary students performing the chants, led by Protopresbyter Konstantinos Fotopoulos.

During the service, Archimandrite Meletius knelt as the bishops laid the Holy Gospel and their hands on him, invoking the Holy Spirit. Patriarch Daniil of Bulgaria, along with Metropolitans Gavriil of Lovchansk and Nicholas of Plovdiv, presented him with the vestments and symbols of his new ministry.

In his address, Patriarch Daniil emphasised the bishop’s role as a shepherd, quoting Jesus, “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd lays down his soul for the sheep” (John 10:11). He urged Bishop Meletius to serve his flock with selfless love and dedication, maintaining unity and guiding them in faith.

After the ordination, Bishop Meletius took his place among his fellow hierarchs and participated in his first service as a bishop. Following the service, the newly consecrated bishop received congratulations in the Synod House, marking the beginning of his episcopal ministry.

Source: Patriarchate of Bulgaria