The synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate unanimously elected Florida native Metropolitan Nikitas (Loulias) as the new Archbishop of Thyateira and Great Britain.

The election took place at the Patriarchal Cathedral of St. George, which is located inside the walled compound and headquarters of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, which is based in Istanbul, Turkey.

Also known as the “Phanar,” or beacon, in Greek, the neighborhood has come to be known by its Greek name “Fanari” or “Fener” in Turkish.

Nikitas, who was already a Metropolitan of Greek Orthodox Church, succeeds Archbishop Gregorios who retired due to advanced age. 

He will take over a large diocese with more than 100 churches and monasteries in England, Scotland, Wales, the Republic of Ireland, the Isle of Man, and the Channel Islands. 

The process of election was broadcast live on the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s Facebook page