His Eminence Metropolitan Daniel of Accra
Honorable and Exarch of West Africa
Born on the island of Zakynthos, Greece, His Eminence Metropolitan Daniel of Accra has dedicated his life to serving the Church and its mission. His journey of faith and education reflects a steadfast commitment to spiritual, academic, and social growth.
Education
Metropolitan Daniel began his education in Zakynthos, where he graduated from the Technical Vocational School. He further pursued studies in Economics, Management, and Hotel Management, earning his diploma in 1997. In 1998, he attended courses at the School of Accountants at the Higher Educational Institution of Messolonghi.
Continuing his academic endeavors, he graduated from the Higher Ecclesiastical School of Ioannina in 2004 and later from the Faculty of Theology of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in 2010 with a degree in Pastoral and Social Theology. Additionally, he earned a Certificate in “Addiction Counseling” from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in 2011. Most recently, in 2023, he obtained a Master’s Degree in Theology and Christian Culture from the Hellenic Open University.
Monastic and Clerical Service
Metropolitan Daniel was tonsured as a monk at the Holy Monastery of Strofades and St. Dionysios in Zakynthos. He was ordained a Deacon on December 25, 1997, and a Priest on September 17, 2006, by the Metropolitan of Zakynthos. Over the years, he served in various significant roles
- Preacher for the Metropolis of Zakynthos (2011)
- Abbot of the Holy Monastery of Panagia Spiliotissa (2009)
- Missionary for the Patriarchate of Alexandria in Mozambique and later as Chancellor in the Holy Metropolis of Zambia and Malawi (2016)
Service to the Patriarchate of Alexandria
Under the guidance of His Beatitude Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, Theodore II, Metropolitan Daniel was called to serve at the Patriarchal See in Alexandria, Egypt. He served as a priest at the Annunciation Cathedral (2016) and was appointed Chief Secretary of the Holy and Sacred Synod on January 18, 2017.
Episcopal Ministry
On November 26, 2018, the Holy Synod elected him as Metropolitan of Axum in Ethiopia. He was ordained as a Bishop on December 5, 2018, at the Holy Patriarchal Monastery of St. Savvas in Alexandria and enthroned at the Cathedral of St. Frumentius in Addis Ababa on March 2, 2019.
On February 15, 2024, he was elected Metropolitan of Accra, Ghana. His enthronement took place on April 21, 2024, at the Cathedral of the Transfiguration of Christ in Accra.
Legacy and Mission
Metropolitan Daniel’s life is marked by devotion, humility, and a commitment to serving the faithful across diverse communities. As Metropolitan of Accra, he continues his mission to promote the teachings of Christ and strengthen the spiritual foundation of the Church in West Africa.