our History
Former Metropolitans of New Zealand
Since its establishment in 1970, the Holy Metropolis of New Zealand has been shepherded by three Metropolitans. Each one left a distinct mark on the life of the Church, both in New Zealand and throughout the wider Pacific and Asia.
Each of these hierarchs, in his own way, has left a mark upon the Orthodox Mission in the Pacific. Their prayers, sacrifices, and missionary journeys have laid the foundation upon which we continue to build today.
As St. Paul writes:
“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.”
(1 Corinthians 3:6)
We give thanks to God for the Metropolitans who have shepherded us in the past, and we continue their work, confident that the Lord will bless the future of Orthodoxy in the Pacific.
Metropolitan Dionysios (Psiachas)
Metropolitan Joseph (Harkiolakis)
Metropolitan Amphilochios (Tsoukos)
Metropolitan Dionysios (Psiachas)
Tenure: 1970 – 2003
The first Metropolitan of New Zealand, Dionysios was elected on 8 January 1970 when the Ecumenical Patriarchate established the Metropolis. At the same time, he was also appointed Exarch of Korea, overseeing a vast missionary region that included East and Southeast Asia, until those territories were later reorganised as separate Metropolises.
For thirty-three years he faithfully built up the local Church, strengthening the parishes of Greek immigrants while laying a foundation for future missionary work in Oceania. On 21 July 2003 he was elected Metropolitan of Proussa (Prussa), and he reposed in the Lord on 6 January 2008.
Metropolitan Joseph (Harkiolakis)
Tenure: 2003 – 2005
Metropolitan Joseph succeeded Dionysios, being elected on 21 July 2003. His tenure was short, as he resigned on 31 August 2005. In 2008 he was elected Metropolitan of Proikonnisos, a historic see of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, where he continues to serve today.
Metropolitan Amphilochios (Tsoukos)
Tenure: 2005 – 2018
Elected on 13 October 2005, Metropolitan Amphilochios guided the Church of New Zealand for thirteen years. His tenure was especially marked by the beginning of Orthodox Mission in the Pacific Islands. From 2006 onwards, he planted parishes in Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa, established a monastery, and supported the training of indigenous clergy.
In recognition of his missionary zeal and pastoral leadership, on 30 May 2018 he was transferred to the historic Metropolis of Ganos and Chora. Today, he serves as a former Metropolitan of Ganos and Chora and All the Thracian Coast