Atlanta, January 28, 2025
Photo: goarch.org
The new Metropolitan of Atlanta for the Metropolis of Atlanta of the Patriarchate of Constantinople’s Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America was formally enthroned on Saturday, January 25.
The former ruling hierarch Metropolitan Alexios submitted a request for retirement 
GOARCH’s Archbishop of Atlanta requests retirement due to healthAfter 25 years as the ruling hierarch of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America’s Metropolis of Atlanta has submitted a request for retirement.
“>in November after 25 years overseeing the diocese of more than 70 parishes. He proposed his long-time assistant Bishop Sevastianos as his successor, who was ultimately approved by the Holy Synod of Constantinople.
Hierarchs from GOARCH, led by Archbishop Elpidophoros, the OCA, Antiochian, Serbian, and UOC-USA jurisdictions were present for the service, as well as dozens of clerics and hundreds of laymen, reports GOARCH.
Abp. Elpidophoros encouraged the newly enthroned Metropolitan, saying:
Now, [the Lord] entrusts to you the care and the feeding of His flock here in the Metropolis of Atlanta. You will nourish them by the teaching of the unalloyed Faith of Jesus Christ as taught in our Holy Church for two thousand years. You will shepherd them with love and compassion, with mercy and goodness, just as the Psalmist speaks of our Lord’s pastorate with us. You will lead them to dwell in green pastures, and nurture them besides waters of rest. You will show them that even when shadows of evil and death fall upon us, we will not be afraid; because the staff of the Lord—His Precious and Life-giving Cross, is our everlasting comfort.
In turn, Met. Sevastianos said:
I intend to start my work by adhering to the words of the Apostle Paul, who exhorted the Thessalonians: Stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle (2 Thess. 2:15). Thus, together we will continue to serve Christ and tending His flock, building on the foundation of my predecessors, and welcoming everyone on our spiritual journey together.
Following the enthronement, a luncheon was held at the local Hellenic Community Center Ballroom.
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