Archbishop Apostolos (Koufallakis): Difference between revisions
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In 1969, Evangelos Ioannou Koufalakis was born on the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhodes Island of Rodes], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greece Greece] (not far from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkey Turkey], and one of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dodecanese Dodecanese Islands]), to Ioannis and Stergia Koufallakis. He was the second of their 4 children. | In 1969, Evangelos Ioannou Koufalakis was born on the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhodes Island of Rodes], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greece Greece] (not far from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkey Turkey], and one of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dodecanese Dodecanese Islands]), to Ioannis and Stergia Koufallakis. He was the second of their 4 children. | ||
Evangelos Ioannou and his siblings were baptised into the Orthodox Christian Church in their home village, and they were raised in the bosom of the Greek Orthodox Church in Rhodes (a part of the Patriarchate of Constantinople). | Evangelos Ioannou and his siblings were baptised into the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Introduction_to_Orthodox_Christianity Orthodox Christian Church] in their home village, and they were raised in the bosom of the Greek Orthodox Church in Rhodes (a part of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecumenical_Patriarchate_of_Constantinople Patriarchate of Constantinople]). | ||
He completed his primary and secondary education near his home. | He completed his primary and secondary education near his home. | ||
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==Diaconal service== | ==Diaconal service== | ||
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hierodeacon Hierodeacon] Apostolos (Koufallakis) was assigned to serve as deacon to the Metropolitan of Rhodes, Metropolitan Apostolos (Dimelis). He served in the capacity for 2 years. | [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hierodeacon Hierodeacon] Apostolos (Koufallakis) was assigned to serve as deacon to the Metropolitan of Rhodes, [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Bishop#Archbishops_and_Metropolitans Metropolitan] Apostolos (Dimelis). He served in the capacity for 2 years. | ||
==Further education== | ==Further education== | ||
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In 2001, with the permission and blessing of his spiritual father, Hieromonk Apostolos (Koufallakis) travelled to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States United States of America] for further theological studies. | In 2001, with the permission and blessing of his spiritual father, Hieromonk Apostolos (Koufallakis) travelled to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States United States of America] for further theological studies. | ||
He was accepted into the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North America by [https:// | He was accepted into the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North America by [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Greek_Orthodox_Archdiocese_of_North_and_South_America by Archbishop Demetrios (Trakatellis) Archbishop Demetrios (Trakatellis)], who blessed his continuing study, while he served simultaneously in communities of the [https://boston.goarch.org/about_us/ Holy Metropolis of Boston]. | ||
In 2002, Hieromonk Apostolos was accepted into [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_University Boston University] at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston Boston], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massachusetts Massachusets]. | In 2002, Hieromonk Apostolos was accepted into [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_University Boston University] at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston Boston], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massachusetts Massachusets]. | ||
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==Continuing pastoral service== | ==Continuing pastoral service== | ||
From 2004 to 2008, the Hieromonk Apostolos (Koufallakis) was assigned by Archbishop Demetrios (Trakatellis) to serve as Priest-in-Charge of the [https://www.facebook.com/stdemetriosastoria/ Cathedral of Saint Demetrios and Saint Catherine] in the historic Community of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astoria,_Queens Astoria], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_(state) New York]. He served there with dedication, and | From 2004 to 2008, the Hieromonk Apostolos (Koufallakis) was assigned by Archbishop Demetrios (Trakatellis) to serve as Priest-in-Charge of the [https://www.facebook.com/stdemetriosastoria/ Cathedral of Saint Demetrios and Saint Catherine] in the historic Community of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astoria,_Queens Astoria], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_(state) New York]. He served there with dedication, and he carried out a rich spiritual ministry. | ||
[[File:Saint Demetrios and Saint Catherine Cathedral 2.jpg]] '''Saint Demetrios and Saint Catherine Cathedral''' | |||
On 20 March, 2008, Hieromonk Apostolos received the Citation of Honour for his “profound devotion to the Greek Orthodox Church and to the Greek American Community”, during the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celebration_of_the_Greek_Revolution Greek Independence Day] celebrations. | On 20 March, 2008, Hieromonk Apostolos received the Citation of Honour for his “profound devotion to the Greek Orthodox Church and to the Greek American Community”, during the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celebration_of_the_Greek_Revolution Greek Independence Day] celebrations. | ||
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In March, 2009, the Hieromonk Apostolos was assigned to serve as director of the [https://helleniccenter.org/ Archdiocesan Hellenic Cultural Centre] of the Archdiocese of America in Astoria, New York. | In March, 2009, the Hieromonk Apostolos was assigned to serve as director of the [https://helleniccenter.org/ Archdiocesan Hellenic Cultural Centre] of the Archdiocese of America in Astoria, New York. | ||
In November, 2011, Hieromonk Apostolos was transferred to serve as the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Protosyngellos Chancellor] (Protosyngellos) of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_Orthodox_Metropolis_of_San_Francisco Metropolis of San Francisco] under the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Omophorion omophor] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerasimos_Michaleas Metropolitan Gerasimos (Michaleas)]. | |||
[[File:Atoria-poitistiko 2.jpg]] '''Hellenic Cultural Centre, Astoria''' | |||
In November, 2011, Hieromonk Apostolos was transferred to serve as the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Protosyngellos Chancellor] (Protosyngellos) of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_Orthodox_Metropolis_of_San_Francisco Metropolis of San Francisco] under the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Omophorion omophor] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerasimos_Michaleas Metropolitan Gerasimos (Michaleas)]. | |||
==Episcopal ordination== | ==Episcopal ordination== | ||
In 2014, Hieromonk Apostolos (Koufallakis) was nominated to become a bishop. | In 2014, Hieromonk Apostolos (Koufallakis) was nominated to become a [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Bishop bishop]. | ||
On 28 November, 2014, the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate unanimously elected him to become Bishop of Medeia, as Auxiliary Bishop to the then Archbishop of America, Archbishop Demetrios (Trakatellis). | On 28 November, 2014, the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Holy_Synod_of_Constantinople Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate] unanimously elected him to become Bishop of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K%C4%B1y%C4%B1k%C3%B6y Medeia], as [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Auxiliary_bishop Vicar-Bishop] (Auxiliary Bishop) to the then Archbishop of America, [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Demetrios_(Trakatellis)_of_America Archbishop Demetrios (Trakatellis)]. | ||
Hieromonk Apostolos (Koufallakis) was elevated to the dignity of [archimandrite]. | Hieromonk Apostolos (Koufallakis) was elevated to the dignity of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Archimandrite archimandrite]. | ||
On 20 December, 2014, Archimandrite Apostolos (Koufallakis) made his Confession of Faith before the Holy Synod of the Church of Constantinople at the Phanar, Constantinople (Istanbul). | On 20 December, 2014, Archimandrite Apostolos (Koufallakis) made his Confession of Faith before the Holy Synod of the Church of Constantinople at the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Phanar Phanar], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constantinople Constantinople] ([https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Istanbul Istanbul]). | ||
On 20 December, 2014, Archimandrite Apostolos (Koufallakis) was ordained to the Holy Episcopate by members of the Holy Synod of the Church of Constantinople, including Archbishop Demetrios (Trakatellis). | On 20 December, 2014, Archimandrite Apostolos (Koufallakis) was ordained to the Holy [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Episcopate Episcopate] by members of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Holy_Synod_of_Constantinople Holy Synod of the Church of Constantinople], including Archbishop Demetrios (Trakatellis). | ||
==Episcopal service== | ==Episcopal service== | ||
In accordance with the decision of the Holy Synod of the Church of Constantinople, as Vicar-Bishop, Bishop Apostolos (Koufallakis) was given the title [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K%C4%B1y%C4%B1k%C3%B6y | In accordance with the decision of the Holy Synod of the Church of Constantinople, as Vicar-Bishop, Bishop Apostolos (Koufallakis) was given the title [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K%C4%B1y%C4%B1k%C3%B6y Bishop of Medeia]. | ||
In 2018, Bishop Apostolos was assigned to serve as Chief Secretary of the Eparchial Synod of the Holy Archdiocese of America. | In 2018, Bishop Apostolos was assigned to serve as Chief Secretary of the Eparchial Synod of the Holy Archdiocese of America. | ||
In 2019, Bishop Apostolos was given the responsibility of planning | In 2019, Bishop Apostolos was given the responsibility of planning for the service for the enthronement of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elpidophoros_of_America Archbishop Elpidophoros (Lambrianidis)] of New York and the United States of America. The enthronement took place on 22 June, 2019. | ||
In 2019, Bishop Apostolos was assigned to serve as Spiritual Advisor of the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society of America. | In 2019, Bishop Apostolos was assigned to serve as Spiritual Advisor of the [https://www.goarch.org/-/ladies-philoptochos-society Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society of America]. | ||
On 3 February, 2021, Bishop Apostolos was assigned by Archbishop Elpidophoros (Lambrianadis) of America to serve as Patriarchal Commissioner of the then-vacant Holy [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_Orthodox_Metropolis_of_New_Jersey Metropolis of New Jersey], including the responsibility for its liturgical and pastoral needs. This assignment came after the [https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/dethronement dethronement] (8 October, 2020) of its previous bishop, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evangelos_Kourounis Metropolitan Evangelos (Kourounis)]. He received this responsibility in the context of many controversies which he inherited. | On 3 February, 2021, Bishop Apostolos was assigned by Archbishop Elpidophoros (Lambrianadis) of America to serve as Patriarchal Commissioner of the then-vacant Holy [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_Orthodox_Metropolis_of_New_Jersey Metropolis of New Jersey], including the responsibility for its liturgical and pastoral needs. This assignment came after the [https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/dethronement dethronement] (8 October, 2020) of its previous bishop, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evangelos_Kourounis Metropolitan Evangelos (Kourounis)]. He received this responsibility in the context of many controversies which he inherited. | ||
On 6 December, 2022, Bishop Apostolos celebrated the first Divine Liturgy in the recently-reconstructed [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Nicholas_Greek_Orthodox_Church_(Manhattan) Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manhattan Manhattan], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_City New York City], since its [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/September_11_attacks destruction on 11 November, 2001]. | On 6 December, 2022, Bishop Apostolos celebrated the first Divine Liturgy in the recently-reconstructed [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Nicholas_Greek_Orthodox_Church_(Manhattan) Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manhattan Manhattan], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_City New York City], since its [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/September_11_attacks destruction on 11 November, 2001]. | ||
[[File:SaintNicholasGOCManhattan 2.jpg]] '''Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, Manhattan''' | |||
==Metropolitan of New Jersey== | ==Metropolitan of New Jersey== | ||
On 24 July, 2023, following the favourable recommendation of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew (Archontonis), Bishop Apostolos (Koufallakis) was elected by the Holy Synod of the Church of Constantinople to become Metropolitan of the newly-restored Metropolis of New Jersey. He was elevated to the dignity of metropolitan. | On 24 July, 2023, following the favourable recommendation of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew (Archontonis), Bishop Apostolos (Koufallakis) was elected by the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Holy_Synod_of_Constantinople Holy Synod of the Church of Constantinople] to become Metropolitan of the newly-restored [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_Orthodox_Metropolis_of_New_Jersey Metropolis of New Jersey]. He was elevated to the dignity of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Bishop#Archbishops_and_Metropolitans metropolitan]. | ||
On 16 September, 2023, [https://easterndiocese.org/news_230925_3 Metropolitan Apostolos (Koufallakis) was enthroned] in the [https://www.stjohntenafly.org/ Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint John the Theologian], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tenafly,_New_Jersey Tenafly], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Jersey New Jersey], as metropolitan the Metropolis of New Jersey. The enthronement was led by [https://orthodoxia.ch/en/name/705/show Metropolitan Kyrillos (Kogerakis)] of Rhodes, Representative of [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Patriarch_Bartholomew_(Archontonis) Patriarch Bartholomew], and [https://orthodoxia.ch/en/name/693/show Archbishop Elpidophoros (Lambriniadis)] of America, [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Exarch Exarch] of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. | |||
[[File:SaintJohnTenaflyNJ 1.jpg]] '''Saint John the Theologian Metropolitan Cathedral, Tenafly, New Jersey''' | |||
Following the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Enthronement Rite of Enthronement], a celebratory Gala Banquet was held at [https://www.venetiannj.com/ The Venetian], which included greetings from The Honourable [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Murphy Phil Murphy, Governor of New Jersey] ; His Excellency [https://www.gov.cy/mfa-embassywashington/en/the-embassy/ambassador/ Evangelos Savva, Ambassador of Cyprus to the United States] ; and The Honourable [https://www.thenationalherald.com/konstantinos-konstantinou-consul-general-in-new-york-sends-farewell-message/ Konstantinos Konstantinou, Consul General of Greece] in New York, among many other notable leaders of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, and the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wik/Greek_Orthodox_Metropolis_of_New_Jersey Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Jersey]. | |||
On 13 January, 2025, there was a large celebration [https://www.thenationalherald.com/the-10th-anniversary-of-metropolitan-apostolos-of-new-jerseys-episcopal-ordination/ in honour of the 10th anniversary of the episcopal ordination] of Metropolitan Apostolos. The event took place at the The Venetian Catering Hall in Garfield, New Jersey. | Later in September, 2023, Metropolitan Apostolos was assigned to serve for one year as a member of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Holy_Synod Eparchial Synod] of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Greek_Orthodox_Archdiocese_of_America#Archdiocesan_structure Holy Archdiocese of America]. | ||
On 9 April, 2024, Metropolitan Apostolos (Koufallakis) presided over the first [https://grokipedia.com/page/greek_orthodox_archdiocese_of_canada Clergy-Laity Conference of the Metropolis of New Jersey] since his enthronement. Present also was Archbishop Elpidephoros (Lambrianidis), head of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, and the new Chancellor of the Metropolis of New Jersey, [https://hellenicnews.com/2024/04/04/new-chancellor-of-the-metropolis-of-nj-appointed-as-archimandrite-of-the-ecumenical-throne/ Archimandrite Nektarios (Cottras)]. | |||
On 13 January, 2025, there was a large celebration [https://www.thenationalherald.com/the-10th-anniversary-of-metropolitan-apostolos-of-new-jerseys-episcopal-ordination/ in honour of the 10th anniversary of the episcopal ordination] of Metropolitan Apostolos. The event took place at the [https://www.venetiannj.com/ The Venetian Catering Hall] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garfield,_New_Jersey Garfield], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Jersey New Jersey]. | |||
==Archbishop of Toronto and Canada== | ==Archbishop of Toronto and Canada== | ||
On Wednesday, 22 July, 2026, the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, under the presidency of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, elected Metropolitan Apostolos (Koufallakis) of New Jersey to become the next Archbishop of Canada, following the retirement of the previous incumbent, [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Sotirios_(Athanassoulas) Archbishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas) | On Wednesday, 22 July, 2026, the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, under the presidency of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, elected Metropolitan Apostolos (Koufallakis) of New Jersey to become the next Archbishop of Canada, following the retirement of the previous incumbent, [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Sotirios_(Athanassoulas) Archbishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas)] earlier in the month. | ||
Soon after the elections, on 28 July, 2026, Archbishop Apostolos sent [https://orthodoxtimes.com/archbishop-of-canada-preserve-and-cultivate-the-precious-gift-of-ecclesiastical-unity/ a letter of greeting to the clergy and parishioners] of the Greek Orthodox Diocese of Canada. In this letter, he informed the Faithful that the enthronement had been scheduled for 19 September, 2026, at [https://www.saintnicholasgochurch.org/ Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral] in Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario. | Soon after the elections, on 28 July, 2026, Archbishop Apostolos sent [https://orthodoxtimes.com/archbishop-of-canada-preserve-and-cultivate-the-precious-gift-of-ecclesiastical-unity/ a letter of greeting to the clergy and parishioners] of the Greek Orthodox Diocese of Canada. In this letter, he informed the Faithful that the enthronement had been scheduled for 19 September, 2026, at [https://www.saintnicholasgochurch.org/ Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral] in [https://en.wikpedia.org/wiki/Scarborough,_Ontario Scarborough], [https://en.wikpedia.org/wiki/Toronto Toronto], [https://en.wikpedia.org/wiki/Ontario Ontario], [https://en.wikpedia.org/wiki/Canada Canada]. | ||
Bishop of Medeia 2014-2023. Preceded by : ____. Succeeded by : ____. | |||
Metropolitan of New Jersey 2023-2026. Preceded by : [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evangelos_Kourounis Metropolitan Evnagelos (Kourounis)]. Succeeded by : ____. | |||
Archbishop of Toronto and Canada 2026-____. Preceded by : [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Sotirios_(Athanassoulas) Archbishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas)]. Succeeded by : ____. | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
https://orthodoxia.ch/en/name/1454/show | [https://orthodoxia.ch/en/name/1454/show Orthodoxia.ch record of Archbishop Apostolos (Koufallakis)] | ||
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apostolos_Koufallakis | [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apostolos_Koufallakis Wikipedia article about Archbishop Apostolos (Koufallakis)] | ||
'''Additional information :''' | '''Additional information :''' | ||
https:// | [https://goarchdiocese.ca/biography-his-eminence-archbishop-elect-apostolos-of-canada/ Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Biography : Archbishop Apostolos of Canada] | ||
[http://orthodoxwiki.org/Greek_Orthodox_Metropolis_of_Toronto_(Canada) Orthodoxwiki article about the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Toronto] | [http://orthodoxwiki.org/Greek_Orthodox_Metropolis_of_Toronto_(Canada) Orthodoxwiki article about the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Toronto] | ||
[https://www.gometropolis.org/ Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada web-site] | [https://www.gometropolis.org/ Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada web-site] | ||
[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Constantinople Orthodoxwiki article about the Church of Constantinople (Ecumenical Patriarchate)] | |||
[https://www.patriarchate.org/ Ecumenical Patriarchate web-site] | [https://www.patriarchate.org/ Ecumenical Patriarchate web-site] | ||
| Line 150: | Line 175: | ||
[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Archdiocese_of_Canada_(Greek) Orthodoxwiki article about the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada and All the Arctic] | [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Archdiocese_of_Canada_(Greek) Orthodoxwiki article about the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada and All the Arctic] | ||
[https://grokipedia.com/page/greek_orthodox_archdiocese_of_canada Grokipedia article about the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada] | [https://grokipedia.com/page/greek_orthodox_archdiocese_of_canada Grokipedia article about the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada] | ||
[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Demetrius_I_(Papadopoulos)_of_Constantinople Patriarch Demetrios | [[Patriarch Athenagoras (Spyrou)]] | ||
[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Demetrius_I_(Papadopoulos)_of_Constantinople Patriarch Demetrios (Papadopoulos)] | |||
[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Bartholomew_I_(Archontonis)_of_Constantinople Patriarch Bartholomew (Archontonis)] | [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Bartholomew_I_(Archontonis)_of_Constantinople Patriarch Bartholomew (Archontonis)] | ||
[[Archbishop Iakovos (Coucouzis)]] | |||
[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Demetrios_(Trakatellis)_of_America Archbishop Demetrios (Trakatellis)] | [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Demetrios_(Trakatellis)_of_America Archbishop Demetrios (Trakatellis)] | ||
| Line 161: | Line 190: | ||
[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Sotirios_(Athanassoulas) Archbishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas)] | [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Archbishop_Sotirios_(Athanassoulas) Archbishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas)] | ||
[[Bishop Theodosios (Sideris)]] | |||
[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Bishop_Christophoros_(Rakintzakis) Bishop Christophoros (Rakintzakis)] | |||
[https://orthodoxcanada.ca/Bishop_Athenagoras_(Salmas) Bishop Athenagoras (Salmas)] | |||
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apostolos_Dimelis Metropolitan Apostolos (Dimelis)] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metropolis_of_Rhodes Rhodes]. | [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apostolos_Dimelis Metropolitan Apostolos (Dimelis)] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metropolis_of_Rhodes Rhodes]. | ||
Montreal Greek Times : [https://greektimes.ca/16475/Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey elected new Archbishop of Canada] (22 July, 2026) | |||
Orthodox Times : [https://orthodoxtimes.com/metropolitan-apostolos-of-new-jersey-elected-as-the-new-archbishop-of-canada/ Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey elected as the new Archbishop of Canada] (22 July, 2026) | |||
UOJ News article : "[https://uoj.news/news/metr-apostolos-of-new-jersey-elected-new-archbishop-of-canada/ Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey elected as the new Archbishop of Canada]" (22 July, 2026) | |||
[https://goarchdiocese.ca/statement-by-the-archons-in-canada-on-the-election-of-a-new-archbishop/ Statement by the Archons in Canada on the Election of a new Archbishop] (22 July, 2026) | |||
[[Category:Bishops]] [[Category:EP]] [[Category:GODT]] [[Category:GOA]] | [[Category:Bishops]] [[Category:EP]] [[Category:GODT]] [[Category:GOA]] | ||
Latest revision as of 15:58, 7 August 2026
Archbishop Apostolos (Koufallakis) (1969-____)
Early life of Evangelos Koufallakis
In 1969, Evangelos Ioannou Koufalakis was born on the Island of Rodes, Greece (not far from Turkey, and one of the Dodecanese Islands), to Ioannis and Stergia Koufallakis. He was the second of their 4 children.
Evangelos Ioannou and his siblings were baptised into the Orthodox Christian Church in their home village, and they were raised in the bosom of the Greek Orthodox Church in Rhodes (a part of the Patriarchate of Constantinople).
He completed his primary and secondary education near his home.
Higher education
In 1990, Evangelos was accepted into the Ecclesiastical School of Patmos where he studied Orthodox Byzantine Music, and Hymnology.
Patmadia School of Patmos
This school is near the Cave of the Apocalypse, and the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian.
Entrance to the Cave of the Apocalypse
Monastery of Saint John the Theologian
Monastic tonsure
In 1993, in the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian, Evangelos Koufallakis was tonsured to be a monk, and he was given the name Apostolos.
Diaconal ordination
On 20 June, 1993, the Monk Apostolos (Koufallakis) was ordained to the Holy Diaconate by Metropolitan Apostolos (Dimelis) of Rhodes.
Diaconal service
Hierodeacon Apostolos (Koufallakis) was assigned to serve as deacon to the Metropolitan of Rhodes, Metropolitan Apostolos (Dimelis). He served in the capacity for 2 years.
Further education
In 1995, Hierodeacon Apostolos was accepted into the University of Thessaloniki in northern Greece.
Presbyteral ordination
On 28 July, 1996, Hierodeacon Apostolos (Koufallakis) was ordained to the Holy Priesthood by Metropolitan Apostolos (Dimelis)] of Rhodes.
Pastoral service
At first, the Hieromonk Apostolos (Koufallakis) continued his studies, and he served under obedience to the Metropolitan of Thessaloniki, Metropolitan Panteleimon II (Chrysofakis).
In 2000, the Hieromonk Apostolos (Koufallakis) graduated from the University of Thessaloniki with the Master of Divinity Degree.
Move to USA, 2001 ; further education
In 2001, with the permission and blessing of his spiritual father, Hieromonk Apostolos (Koufallakis) travelled to the United States of America for further theological studies.
He was accepted into the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North America by by Archbishop Demetrios (Trakatellis) Archbishop Demetrios (Trakatellis), who blessed his continuing study, while he served simultaneously in communities of the Holy Metropolis of Boston. In 2002, Hieromonk Apostolos was accepted into Boston University at Boston, Massachusets.
In 2004, Hieromonk Apostolos received the Master of Sacred Theology Degree from the School of Theology of Boston University.
Boston University
Continuing pastoral service
From 2004 to 2008, the Hieromonk Apostolos (Koufallakis) was assigned by Archbishop Demetrios (Trakatellis) to serve as Priest-in-Charge of the Cathedral of Saint Demetrios and Saint Catherine in the historic Community of the Astoria, New York. He served there with dedication, and he carried out a rich spiritual ministry.
Saint Demetrios and Saint Catherine Cathedral
On 20 March, 2008, Hieromonk Apostolos received the Citation of Honour for his “profound devotion to the Greek Orthodox Church and to the Greek American Community”, during the Greek Independence Day celebrations.
In March, 2009, the Hieromonk Apostolos was assigned to serve as director of the Archdiocesan Hellenic Cultural Centre of the Archdiocese of America in Astoria, New York.
Hellenic Cultural Centre, Astoria
In November, 2011, Hieromonk Apostolos was transferred to serve as the Chancellor (Protosyngellos) of the Metropolis of San Francisco under the omophor of Metropolitan Gerasimos (Michaleas).
Episcopal ordination
In 2014, Hieromonk Apostolos (Koufallakis) was nominated to become a bishop.
On 28 November, 2014, the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate unanimously elected him to become Bishop of Medeia, as Vicar-Bishop (Auxiliary Bishop) to the then Archbishop of America, Archbishop Demetrios (Trakatellis).
Hieromonk Apostolos (Koufallakis) was elevated to the dignity of archimandrite.
On 20 December, 2014, Archimandrite Apostolos (Koufallakis) made his Confession of Faith before the Holy Synod of the Church of Constantinople at the Phanar, Constantinople (Istanbul).
On 20 December, 2014, Archimandrite Apostolos (Koufallakis) was ordained to the Holy Episcopate by members of the Holy Synod of the Church of Constantinople, including Archbishop Demetrios (Trakatellis).
Episcopal service
In accordance with the decision of the Holy Synod of the Church of Constantinople, as Vicar-Bishop, Bishop Apostolos (Koufallakis) was given the title Bishop of Medeia.
In 2018, Bishop Apostolos was assigned to serve as Chief Secretary of the Eparchial Synod of the Holy Archdiocese of America.
In 2019, Bishop Apostolos was given the responsibility of planning for the service for the enthronement of Archbishop Elpidophoros (Lambrianidis) of New York and the United States of America. The enthronement took place on 22 June, 2019.
In 2019, Bishop Apostolos was assigned to serve as Spiritual Advisor of the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society of America.
On 3 February, 2021, Bishop Apostolos was assigned by Archbishop Elpidophoros (Lambrianadis) of America to serve as Patriarchal Commissioner of the then-vacant Holy Metropolis of New Jersey, including the responsibility for its liturgical and pastoral needs. This assignment came after the dethronement (8 October, 2020) of its previous bishop, Metropolitan Evangelos (Kourounis). He received this responsibility in the context of many controversies which he inherited.
On 6 December, 2022, Bishop Apostolos celebrated the first Divine Liturgy in the recently-reconstructed Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Manhattan, New York City, since its destruction on 11 November, 2001.
Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, Manhattan
Metropolitan of New Jersey
On 24 July, 2023, following the favourable recommendation of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew (Archontonis), Bishop Apostolos (Koufallakis) was elected by the Holy Synod of the Church of Constantinople to become Metropolitan of the newly-restored Metropolis of New Jersey. He was elevated to the dignity of metropolitan.
On 16 September, 2023, Metropolitan Apostolos (Koufallakis) was enthroned in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint John the Theologian, Tenafly, New Jersey, as metropolitan the Metropolis of New Jersey. The enthronement was led by Metropolitan Kyrillos (Kogerakis) of Rhodes, Representative of Patriarch Bartholomew, and Archbishop Elpidophoros (Lambriniadis) of America, Exarch of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
Saint John the Theologian Metropolitan Cathedral, Tenafly, New Jersey
Following the Rite of Enthronement, a celebratory Gala Banquet was held at The Venetian, which included greetings from The Honourable Phil Murphy, Governor of New Jersey ; His Excellency Evangelos Savva, Ambassador of Cyprus to the United States ; and The Honourable Konstantinos Konstantinou, Consul General of Greece in New York, among many other notable leaders of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, and the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Jersey.
Later in September, 2023, Metropolitan Apostolos was assigned to serve for one year as a member of the Eparchial Synod of the Holy Archdiocese of America.
On 9 April, 2024, Metropolitan Apostolos (Koufallakis) presided over the first Clergy-Laity Conference of the Metropolis of New Jersey since his enthronement. Present also was Archbishop Elpidephoros (Lambrianidis), head of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, and the new Chancellor of the Metropolis of New Jersey, Archimandrite Nektarios (Cottras).
On 13 January, 2025, there was a large celebration in honour of the 10th anniversary of the episcopal ordination of Metropolitan Apostolos. The event took place at the The Venetian Catering Hall in Garfield, New Jersey.
Archbishop of Toronto and Canada
On Wednesday, 22 July, 2026, the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, under the presidency of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, elected Metropolitan Apostolos (Koufallakis) of New Jersey to become the next Archbishop of Canada, following the retirement of the previous incumbent, Archbishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas) earlier in the month.
Soon after the elections, on 28 July, 2026, Archbishop Apostolos sent a letter of greeting to the clergy and parishioners of the Greek Orthodox Diocese of Canada. In this letter, he informed the Faithful that the enthronement had been scheduled for 19 September, 2026, at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Bishop of Medeia 2014-2023. Preceded by : ____. Succeeded by : ____.
Metropolitan of New Jersey 2023-2026. Preceded by : Metropolitan Evnagelos (Kourounis). Succeeded by : ____.
Archbishop of Toronto and Canada 2026-____. Preceded by : Archbishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas). Succeeded by : ____.
References
Orthodoxia.ch record of Archbishop Apostolos (Koufallakis)
Wikipedia article about Archbishop Apostolos (Koufallakis)
Additional information :
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Biography : Archbishop Apostolos of Canada
Orthodoxwiki article about the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Toronto
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada web-site
Orthodoxwiki article about the Church of Constantinople (Ecumenical Patriarchate)
Ecumenical Patriarchate web-site
Orthodoxwiki article about the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
Orthodoxwiki article about the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada and All the Arctic
Grokipedia article about the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada
Patriarch Athenagoras (Spyrou)
Patriarch Demetrios (Papadopoulos)
Patriarch Bartholomew (Archontonis)
Archbishop Iakovos (Coucouzis)
Archbishop Demetrios (Trakatellis)
Archbishop Elpidophoros (Lambriniadis)
Archbishop Sotirios (Athanassoulas)
Bishop Christophoros (Rakintzakis)
Metropolitan Apostolos (Dimelis) of Rhodes.
Montreal Greek Times : Apostolos of New Jersey elected new Archbishop of Canada (22 July, 2026)
Orthodox Times : Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey elected as the new Archbishop of Canada (22 July, 2026)
UOJ News article : "Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey elected as the new Archbishop of Canada" (22 July, 2026)
Statement by the Archons in Canada on the Election of a new Archbishop (22 July, 2026)