Rt Rev Gordon Kennedy will serve for 12 months as the Kirk’s ambassador at home and abroad. He said he remained “surprised” to have been chosen, adding that he accepted the call in humility.
Addressing commissioners during this year's Assembly, he said: "Mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers in Christ, thank you.
"I remain surprised to be standing here and, in all humility, receive this call to serve as Moderator this year.
"Fiona and I are very grateful to so many of you for your emails, phone calls, and conversations since the announcement of my nomination and very much depend upon your prayers and support for all that lies ahead."
He said he believed the “highest calling” for a minister was parish ministry, reflecting on his previous roles in New Cumnock, Portpatrick and Stranraer St Ninian’s, and his current post at Craiglockhart Parish Church.
Rev Kennedy also thanked his chaplains and colleagues covering his parish during his absence, describing their support and prayers as “precious”.
He told commissioners: "My fellow commissioners, I need your help. I haven't done this before. I am only slightly comforted by the thought that since this is our first four-day Assembly, none of us have done this before.
"I, and the team here have been working hard and will continue to do that to serve this General Assembly in walking in all God's ways.
"But we need your help. We need to work together as one people, one Assembly.
"This is the way our God has set before us, we can only walk in it if we encourage and support and trust one another."
Outgoing Moderator Very Rev Rosie Frew congratulated him on his election, describing the role as a calling rather than an ambition, and said he would be supported in prayer throughout the year ahead.
She said: "May the Lord bless you and keep you."