A new chapter is opening for the Holy Metropolis of New Jersey . The enthronement of His Eminence Metropolitan Athenagoras will take place on Saturday, November 7, 2026 , at 11:00 a.m., at the Metropolitan Church of St. John the Theologian in Tenafly , New Jersey.
The next day, Sunday, November 8 , His Eminence will celebrate his first Divine Liturgy as Metropolitan of New Jersey in the same church.
Archbishop Elpidophoros of America was informed of the election with deep joy and gratitude to Almighty God, greeting her along with the clergy and faithful of the Holy Archdiocese and the Holy Metropolis of New Jersey with the traditional “Worthy!”
On the occasion of the election, the Archbishop made the following statement.
“With deep joy and gratitude to God, I congratulate my dear brother, His Eminence Metropolitan Athenagoras of New Jersey, on his election by the Holy and Sacred Synod of our Ecumenical Patriarchate. For many years I have had the blessing of knowing firsthand his devotion to Christ and His Church, as well as his unwavering commitment to the Mother Church of Constantinople, as well as the exceptional care with which he performed every ministry assigned to him.
Today, after many years of faithful service, a new chapter opens in his archpriestly ministry. The Holy Metropolis of New Jersey welcomes a pastor who knows and loves our Church, has served it faithfully, and understands that the archpriestly ministry is, above all, a ministry of sacrifice, love, and practical support for one’s fellow man.
I rejoice as Archbishop of America, but also as his brother and co-celebrant, expressing my wholehearted love to him and assuring him that I will be at his side as he assumes this sacred responsibility. We wish him many years and exclaim, Worthy!”
The clergy and faithful of the Holy Archdiocese of America extend their heartfelt congratulations to the new Metropolitan and pray fervently for him as he assumes his pastoral ministry . They pray that the Lord will grant him strength, wisdom, and many years of fruitful ministry in His Holy Church.
The Holy Metropolis of New Jersey is one of the historic metropolises of the Archdiocese of America, with numerous parishes and a strong presence of the Greek Orthodox community. The assumption of its pastoral responsibility therefore marks an important moment not only for His Eminence himself but also for the flock that welcomes him.
