Church of Crete

The Archdiocese of Crete is the principal Orthodox governing body for the island, headquartered in Heraklion and encompassing several dioceses distributed across the region. This administrative structure coordinates religious affairs and connects communities through centralized ecclesiastical oversight.

In 64 AD, the Apostle Paul established the first Christian community on the island and appointed Titus as its first bishop. This founding shaped the religious trajectory of the island for centuries to come.

The Church shapes religious life across Crete through its parishes in towns and villages, where regular services and celebrations are woven into daily life. Visitors can observe how Orthodox traditions influence local customs and gathering places throughout the island.

The Church is governed by a synod that handles ecclesiastical matters and bishop appointments, with the Greek state participating in selecting the presiding archbishop. Visitors can inquire locally about service times and locations of the many parishes across the island.

The Church obtained formal recognition from the Greek government in 1961, granting it a distinctive autonomous status. This arrangement allows it to operate independently while remaining under the Ecumenical Patriarchate's spiritual authority.

Part of: Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople

Website: http://iak.gr

GPS coordinates: 35.33750,25.13080

Latest update: December 10, 2025 15:59