Bishop Anthimos of Thessaloniki resigns

Anthimos, the senior Greek Orthodox cleric in Thessaloniki in northern Greece, has tendered his resignation as conveyed through an official announcement on Tuesday. 

According to the announcement, the 88-year-old Bishop Anthimos formally submitted his resignation to Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Ieronymos on Monday. 

The way leading to the resignation of the controversial bishop had reportedly been paved for several months, as his advanced age and health problems did not allow him to carry out his duties in the way he wished. 

At the same time, concerns had been expressed at the highest ecclesiastical level, due to the particularly important role and strategic importance of the Metropolis of Thessaloniki. 

The Holy Synod will meet to elect the new Metropolitan of Thessaloniki on October 9.