Anthimos Rousas
His Grace, Metropolitan Anthimos Rousas of Thessaloniki was the Metropolitan of Thessaloniki from 2004 to 2023.
Life
[edit]His Grace Anthimos of Thessaloniki | |
|---|---|
| Former Metropolitan | |
| Native name | Μητροπολίτης πρώην Θεσσαλονίκης Άνθιμος |
| Church | Church of Greece |
| Metropolis | Metropolis of Thessaloniki |
| Elected | 2004 |
| Installed | 2004 |
| Term ended | August 7, 2023 |
| Predecessor | Panteleimon II Chrysofakis |
| Successor | Filotheos Theocharis |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | July 14, 1974 by Metropolitans Gabriel of Thira, Sotirios of Gytheio, Dionysios of Drama, Agathonikos of Mesogaia |
| Consecration | July 13, 1974 |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Dionysios Roussas 1934 |
| Died | 13 March 2025 |
| Nationality | Greek |
| Denomination | Eastern Orthodox Christianity |
Metropolitan Anthimos was born Dionysios Rousas in Salmoni, Elis in 1934.[1] A graduate of Philosophy and Theology at the University of Athens,[2] he was ordained a deacon in 1964.[3] The following year, in 1965, he was ordained to the priesthood. During this time, from 1965 to 1972, Fr. Anthimos was also an editor of the weekly bulletin "Voice of the Lord", which advocated for and spread the teachings of the Church.[2] As a priest, Fr. Anthimos was the head of the Church of St Basil in Athens.[4]
On July 14, 1974, Fr. Anthimos was ordained Metropolitan of Alexandroupolis.[1] Metropolitan Anthimos remained in that Metropolis for three decades, until following the death of Metropolitan Panteleimon II Chrysofakis of Thessaloniki, he was transferred to the Metropolis of Thessaloniki in 2003, later elected in 2004.[4]
As Metropolitan of Thessaloniki, Metropolitan Anthimos actively engaged in social and spiritual affairs.[5] He was known for his highly conservative views on these matters.[6][5] In August 2023, Metropolitan Anthimos, following health problems, submitted his resignation to the Archbishop Ieronymos II of Athens.[3] With his successor, Philotheos Theocharis taking the role of Metropolitan,[7] Metropolitan Anthimos became Emeritus Metropolitan of Thessaloniki.[5]
Former Metropolitan Anthimos of Thessaloniki passed away on 13 March 2025, at the age of 91, following a deterioration in his health condition. His funeral will be held on March 15, 2025, at the Cathedral of St. Sophia (Holy Wisdom) in Thessaloniki.[8] By his wish, former Metropolitan Anthimos will be buried in the cenotaph in the courtyard of the Metropolitan Church of Saint Gregory Palamas, in Thessaloniki.
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Long-time bishop of Thessaloniki resigns". OrthoChristian.Com. Retrieved 2025-03-13.
- ^ a b admin (2025-03-13). "Former Metropolitan of Thessaloniki Anthimos passes away at 91". ProtoThema English. Retrieved 2025-03-13.
- ^ a b Herald, The Greek (2025-03-13). "Former Bishop of Thessaloniki Anthimos dies at 91". The Greek Herald. Retrieved 2025-03-14.
- ^ a b "Former Metropolitan of Thessaloniki, Anthimos, passes away". www.amna.gr. Retrieved 2025-03-14.
- ^ a b c chtzanis (2025-03-13). "Elder Metropolitan of Thessaloniki Anthimos, 91, Passes Away". tovima.com. Retrieved 2025-03-14.
- ^ "Former metropolitan bishop dies aged 91 | eKathimerini.com". www.ekathimerini.com. 2025-03-13. Retrieved 2025-03-14.
- ^ "Philotheos Enthronement as New Metropolitan of Thessaloniki". The National Herald. 2023-12-02. Retrieved 2025-03-14.
- ^ "Εκοιμήθη ο Μητροπολίτης πρώην Θεσσαλονίκης Άνθιμος". Ορθοδοξία News Agency (in Greek). 2025-03-13. Retrieved 2025-03-14.