A significant ecclesiastical event took place in Turkey as Archimandrite Pavel (Orduloglu) was ordained as the new bishop for the newly created Diocese of Tarsus, Adana, and Iskenderun within the Antiochian Orthodox Church. The ordination ceremony was presided over by Patriarch John X, with the participation of hierarchs of the Holy Synod, clergy, and faithful from various countries.

The solemn liturgy was held in the city of Mersin and attracted representatives from congregations in southern Turkey, as well as from Europe and the Middle East. Among the attendees was the Metropolitan of Ankara, representing the Ecumenical Patriarchate, along with other prominent spiritual leaders, including Catholic and Latin Church figures from the region.

In his address to the newly ordained Bishop of Tarsus, Patriarch John emphasized the gravity of his mission amid "stormy waves," urging him to safeguard the faith and lead his flock "toward eternal life." The Patriarch also recalled the significance of Antioch for the Christian world, noting that it was in this ancient city where Christ’s disciples were first called "Christians." "Wherever we are, the air we breathe and the hearts within us all echo Antioch," he remarked, highlighting the spiritual unity of believers across different nations.

The new bishop expressed deep gratitude to the Patriarch and members of the Synod for their trust, describing his appointment not as an honor, but as a "responsibility and a challenging ministry." He also expressed confidence that the young diocese would "become a source of comfort and preserve the faith despite challenges."

The establishment of the Diocese of Tarsus, Adana, and Iskenderun was approved by the Holy Synod in October 2025. This new ecclesiastical structure unites parishes along Turkey's southern coast — in Adana, Mersin, and Iskenderun — and aims to improve pastoral care for local communities. Notably, historical Antioch itself is not part of this new diocese.

Photo: antiochpatriarchate.org