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Hristodul AfinskiyArchbishop of Athens and all Greece.
Country:
 Greece |
Content:
- Archbishop Christodoulos of Athens and All Greece
- Ordination and Pastoral Ministry
- Election as Metropolitan of Demetrias
- Election as Archbishop of Athens and All Greece
- Independent Stance and Controversies
- Relations with the Ecumenical Patriarchate
- Relations with Other Churches
- Relationship with the Greek Government
- Personal Life and Health
- Legacy
Archbishop Christodoulos of Athens and All Greece
Early Life and EducationChristodoulos Paraskevaides was born in 1939 in Xanthi, Northern Greece. He graduated from law school in 1962 and the School of Theology at the University of Athens in 1967.
Ordination and Pastoral Ministry
In 1961, Christodoulos was ordained a deacon. In 1965, he became a priest and served at the Church of the Dormition in Paleo Faliro, Athens, for nine years. He was also General Secretary of the Holy Synod for seven years.
Election as Metropolitan of Demetrias
In 1974, Christodoulos was elected Metropolitan of Demetrias, the ancient diocese near modern Volos.
Election as Archbishop of Athens and All Greece
In 1998, Christodoulos was elected Archbishop of Athens and All Greece. He was the first Primate of the Hellenic Church to be elected democratically.
Independent Stance and Controversies
Archbishop Christodoulos was known for his independent and often confrontational stance. He opposed NATO's actions in the Balkans and criticized Greece's support for these actions as a NATO member. He also objected to the removal of the "religion" field from identity cards in 2000.
Relations with the Ecumenical Patriarchate
In 2003, relations between the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Holy Synod of the Hellenic Orthodox Church became strained due to disagreements over the appointment of bishops in the "New Territories." The Patriarch excommunicated Archbishop Christodoulos, but reconciliation was reached a month later.
Relations with Other Churches
Archbishop Christodoulos met with Pope Benedict XVI in the Vatican in 2006, marking the first official visit by a Primate of the Hellenic Church to the Vatican. He also criticized globalization, church-state separation, and educational reform.
Relationship with the Greek Government
Christodoulos had political tensions with the Greek government. He criticized Israel's actions in the Middle East and referred to Turks as "oriental barbarians."
Personal Life and Health
Archbishop Christodoulos underwent surgery for colon cancer in 2007. The cancer was found to have spread to his liver. He returned to Greece in October 2007 and succumbed to his illness on January 28, 2008, at the age of 69.
Legacy
Archbishop Christodoulos was a prominent religious leader who played a significant role in the Hellenic Orthodox Church and Greek society. He is remembered for his independent spirit, controversial views, and commitment to the well-being of his people.
