On May 26, 2024, the Synod of the Bulgarian Patriarchate gathered to conduct the official election of the new Metropolitan of Sliven.
Bishop Arsenij of Znepol was elected as Metropolitan of Sliven by the Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church with 7 out of 12 votes. He received support from Metropolitans Gregory of Veliko Tarnovo, Ignatij of Pleven, Nikolaj of Plovdiv, Antonij of Western and Central Europe, Naum of Ruthenia, Kiprian of Stara Zagora, and Jakov of Dorostol.
The announcement of Bishop Arsenij of Znepol’s election as Metropolitan of Sliven was made by Metropolitan Grigorij of Vratsa.
After the voting process was completed, Metropolitan Gregory revealed that Bishop Arsenij of Znepol had received 7 out of 12 votes, making him the new Metropolitan of Sliven. The other candidate, Bishop Gerasim of Melnik, received 5 votes.
Following the election results, Metropolitan Gregory of Vratsa officially declared Bishop Arsenij of Znepol as the canonically elected Metropolitan of Sliven and extended best wishes for a successful and God-pleasing ministry.
Source: bg-patriarshia.bg