METROPOLITAN MELITON OF PHILADELPHIA

 

Date of Consecration:

October 28, 1990

Date of Election:

October 2, 1990

Date of Ordination to the Diaconate:

1974

Date of Birth:

1951

 

BIOGRAPHY:

His Eminence Metropolitan Meliton of Philadelphia, Exarch of Lydia and Chief of the See of Venice, was born in 1951 on the island of Imvros, where he received his elementary education. Subsequently he studied at the Megali Tou Genous Scholi, the Zografeion School and the Gymnasium Division of the Theological School of Halki, continuing later his education at the Theological School of Halki until the closing of the school. He continued his studies in Thessaloniki on scholarship by the church, and graduated in 1974 with a degree in Theology. The same year he was ordained Deacon receiving the name Meliton, and immediately was appointed Codicographer of the Holy and Sacred Synod. In 1984, he was promoted to Deputy Secretary of the Holy and Sacred Synod.

He received post graduate education in France and England and participated in Patriarchal representation and delegations in Inter-Orthodox and Inter-Church Conferences. In 1986, he received the Doctorate in Theology from the Theological School of the University of Thessaloniki. In 1987, he was promoted to the position of the Chief Secretary. While serving in this position, he accompanied Patriarch Dimitrios on many visits including the United States in 1990.

He was elected Metropolitan of Philadelphia on October 2, 1990, and continues to serve, by Synodal Decree, as Chief Secretary of the Holy and Sacred Synod. On January 15, 1991, he became an auxiliary member of the Synod.

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