The Bishop Industry at the Phanar – The Degradation of a Sacred Institution

Sotiris M. Tzoumas | January 9, 2026

 

 

The Phanar no longer governs spiritually — it merely… produces.

It produces bishops at industrial rates, degrading an institution that was once the fruit of sacrifice, asceticism, and proven service. Today, the episcopate is no longer the culmination of ministry, but a reward for obedience, a prize for personal relationships, and a favor granted to metropolitan “requests.”

Recently, the pattern has become clear and repetitive: either old and tested hierarchs who are no longer “convenient” are removed, or new assistant bishops are elected so that each Metropolis may acquire its own obedient support mechanism.

Not in order to truly resolve pastoral problems.

But in order to perpetuate a system of silence, fear, and discipline.

So that the Metropolitans may behave like sheep and the Patriarch may act unchecked, doing whatever he wants. This always happened, but today the evil has gone too far because there are no Hierarchs with the backbone and strength to correct what is amiss.

Thus, following last month's Synod and the election of the new Metropolitan of Ankara, Gregory, in the January Synod we had the election of two more bishops for the Metropolises of Sweden and France. And this is not a random occurrence. It is part of a coordinated strategy: for every Metropolis to have its own “assistant.”

Assistant in what exactly? In pastoral work? In ministry? Or in ensuring that nothing deviates from the line?

These elections are unconvincing. When “devoted ministry” is translated into personal closeness to the Metropolitan, and he in turn “recommends” to the Patriarch, then we are not speaking of conciliarity. We are speaking of a closed circuit of power.

When lifelong childhood friendship and close ties between a Metropolitan and the nominee become the criterion for episcopal election, then the institution has already lost its prestige. This has been happening for years, and Patriarch Bartholomew has taken it to the extreme!

When the titles of ancient and once-glorious bishoprics are distributed lavishly, merely to fill organizational gaps or to do favors for this or that person, then we are speaking of a harmful precedent—stamped and signed.

And in the midst of all this, the Phanar refuses to see the elephant in the room:

– An Orthodoxy deeply divided (it is too late now for tears and apologies, because the damage is done).

– Churches in rupture

– And a Crete, ecclesiastically and socially shattered

None of this seems to raise concern. The mechanism proceeds undisturbed. Elections, titles, “Messages,” ordinations. Everything in its place.

Only the essence has been lost. And no one cares!

The Church does not need more bishops.

It needs bishops with a “voice.”

And this “voice” today, at the Phanar, is systematically silent.

History will be merciless.

Because institutions do not collapse through their enemies.

They collapse through those who degrade them from within.

 

Greek source: https://exapsalmos.gr/viomichania-episkopon-sto-fanari-o-eftelismos-enos-ierou-thesmou/