NEWS

No return for jailed bishop

The case of the jailed ex-bishop of Attica, Panteleimon, took another twist yesterday when Church of Greece sources suggested that he had informed them he would not seek to be reinstated in his former position upon his release from jail. Speculation had mounted over the last 10 days that the disgraced cleric would try to return to his post after the Holy Synod decided he would not have to face a Church court on charges of embezzlement. Panteleimon has been serving a six-year jail sentence in Korydallos Prison for embezzling 195,000 euros from an Attica monastery. His return would be an embarrassment for the head of the Church of Greece, Archbishop Ieronymos, and it is believed that his aides put pressure on Panteleimon to make it clear he would not seek to return to the fold. However, the ex-bishop and sources close to him had failed to confirm by late last night that Panteleimon had given up claims to his former post.

Subscribe to our Newsletters

Enter your information below to receive our weekly newsletters with the latest insights, opinion pieces and current events straight to your inbox.

By signing up you are agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.