HR35: HR35 Sevastianos, Metropolitan; commend

This resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives recognizes Metropolitan Sevastianos, who is being elevated to the Holy Seat of Metropolitan of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Atlanta in a ceremony on January 25 to 26, 2025, in Atlanta. He succeeds retired Metropolitan Alexios as the second Metropolitan of Atlanta. The resolution recounts his background, including his ordination as a deacon and priest, his service in parishes across several countries and cities, his role as Chief Secretary of the Holy Eparchial Synod, and his leadership positions within the Metropolis of Atlanta. It resolves that the House recognizes and commends him and wishes him future health and happiness, and it directs the Clerk of the House to send him a copy of the resolution. Like other commendation resolutions, it does not change any Georgia law.

• Formally recognizes and commends Metropolitan Sevastianos by vote of the Georgia House of Representatives.
• Extends the House's best wishes for his future health and happiness in his new role.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare and send a copy of the resolution to Metropolitan Sevastianos.
• Creates no new law, funding, or regulatory requirement; it is a ceremonial statement only.

The resolution directly names and honors Metropolitan Sevastianos and references the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Atlanta, its clergy, and the Orthodox faithful across the Metropolis's eight-state region who will attend the elevation ceremony.

The resolution carries no legal effect and changes no Georgia statute or funding, but it is an official public statement by the state legislature marking a significant religious leadership transition for the Greek Orthodox community in Atlanta and the surrounding region.

• The whereas clauses describe Metropolitan Sevastianos's biography, ordination dates, parish service, and prior church leadership roles, including Chief Secretary of the Holy Eparchial Synod from 2006 to 2018.
• The resolving clause states the House recognizes and commends him on his elevation to Metropolitan of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Atlanta and wishes him health and happiness.
• A further resolving clause directs the Clerk of the House to make a copy of the resolution available for distribution to Metropolitan Sevastianos.

1. 2025-01-16House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2025-01-16House First Readers (House)
3. 2025-01-16House Hopper (House)

• Mike Cheokas (R, HD-151)Primary sponsor
• Chuck Efstration (R, HD-104)

• ceremonial resolution
• Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Atlanta
• religious leadership
• House commendation