On 29 April 2023 an extraordinary session of the Council of the Apostolic Orthodox Church took place.
Following the petition of Metropolitan Vitaly (Kuzhevatov) to retire, the Council was faced with the question of electing a new Primate.
In an open vote, Archbishop Grigory (Mikhnov-Vaitenko) was unanimously elected Primate of the AOC.
A new stage of church life began, marked by the development of conciliar institutions of governance, a review of organisational principles and wider scope for the independent ministry of church communities.
In December 2024 the Rules of Procedure of the Holy Council of the AOC were adopted, and in May 2025 the Regulation on the Division of Powers between General Church Administration and Diocesan Structures.
These documents established the special position of the Holy Council as the highest standing body of church government.
The Primate exercises his ministry within the powers entrusted to him by the Council, representing the Church and helping to coordinate its common life.
Local communities and dioceses retain independence in their own governance within the limits of the norms of the whole Church.