Election of Metropolitan Iakovos
On March 22, 2024, the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople made a historic decision to establish the Holy Orthodox Metropolis of Ireland, appointing Auxiliary Bishop Iakovos of Zenoupolis as its first Metropolitan bishop. This pivotal election signifies a new chapter for Orthodox Christians in Ireland, as Metropolitan Iakovos brings his vision and leadership to the forefront, aiming to strengthen the faith and community ties across the region. His enthronement, celebrated on May 18, 2024, by Archbishop Nikitas, marked the beginning of a promising era for the Orthodox faithful in Ireland.
Metropolitan Iakovos of Ireland
Guiding the Orthodox Community of Ireland
As the spiritual leader of the Holy Orthodox Metropolis of Ireland, Metropolitan Iakovos plays a pivotal role in guiding the Orthodox Christian community across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. His responsibilities include overseeing the spiritual and administrative functions of the diocese, fostering unity among the faithful, and promoting the teachings of the Orthodox Church. Metropolitan Iakovos is dedicated to enhancing the spiritual lives of his congregation through pastoral care, educational initiatives, and community outreach programs. His leadership is characterized by a deep commitment to the values of faith, compassion, and service.
Metropolitan Iakovos, born in Athens on March 6, 1977, is a prominent theologian and the inaugural Metropolitan of the newly formed Holy Orthodox Metropolis of Ireland, a position he accepted on March 22, 2024.
With a strong academic foundation in Greek and German Philology in Berlin and Theology in Boston from respected institutions and MA in Orthodox Theology in Thessaloniki, he has dedicated himself to the Orthodox faith since taking monastic vows in 2005. His pastoral path has led him from the monastic community in Crete to significant roles within the Archdiocese of Canada, where he encouraged youth involvement and spiritual development. His election as Auxiliary Bishop in 2020 culminated in his enthronement in Dublin on May 18, 2024, a pivotal moment for the Orthodox community in Ireland. With an unwavering dedication to faith, compassion, and community cohesion, Metropolitan Iakovos is set to profoundly impact the spiritual lives of many.
Enthronement of Metropolitan Iakovos
On the auspicious day of May 18, 2024, the enthronement ceremony of Metropolitan Iakovos took place at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation of the Mother of God in Dublin. This significant event was graced by the presence of Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain, who led the ceremony with profound reverence and solemnity. The Church was filled with clergy, dignitaries, and faithful from across Ireland, Greece, Canada, France and United Kingdom, all gathered to witness this historic moment. The ceremony was a blend of traditional liturgical rites and heartfelt prayers, symbolizing the beginning of a new chapter for the Orthodox community in Ireland.