Christodoulos of Athens, Greek archbishop (d. 2008)

Christodoulos (Greek: Χριστόδουλος), born Christos Paraskevaidis (Χρήστος Παρασκευαΐδης) on January 17, 1939, was a prominent figure in the Greek Orthodox Church. He served as the Archbishop of Athens and All Greece and, by virtue of this office, was the Primate of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Greece, leading the Church from his election in 1998 until his passing on January 28, 2008.

Leadership of the Church of Greece

The Role of the Archbishop

As the Archbishop of Athens and All Greece, Christodoulos held the highest spiritual and administrative position within the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Greece. The title "Primate" signifies his role as the chief bishop and head of the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece, guiding its clergy and faithful. The Church of Greece, which became autocephalous (self-governing and independent from the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople) in 1850, plays a central role in the spiritual and cultural life of the nation, deeply intertwined with Greek identity.

A Decade of Leadership (1998-2008)

Archbishop Christodoulos's tenure, spanning a significant decade, was marked by several notable initiatives and challenges:

• Modernization and Outreach: He was widely recognized for his efforts to modernize the Church's public image and engage with contemporary society, particularly by appealing to younger generations. This included leveraging modern communication technologies, such as establishing a dedicated radio station for the Church and improving its digital presence.
• Youth Engagement: A key focus was on bringing young people closer to the Church, initiating various programs and adapting communication styles to resonate with a modern audience.
• Emphasis on National Identity: Christodoulos strongly articulated the deep historical and cultural connection between Greek Orthodoxy and Greek national identity, often speaking on issues of national concern.
• Engagement with Socio-Political Issues: His leadership coincided with periods of public debate regarding the relationship between Church and State. Notably, he was a prominent voice in the widely discussed public controversy concerning the proposed removal of religious affiliation from Greek identity cards, a matter that sparked considerable public discourse and demonstrations during his time.
• Inter-Christian Dialogue: While firmly upholding Orthodox traditions, he engaged in various forms of inter-Christian dialogue, seeking paths for understanding and cooperation within the broader Christian world.

Legacy and Impact

Archbishop Christodoulos's leadership left a lasting impression on the Church of Greece and Greek society. He was often seen as a charismatic and articulate leader who sought to make the Church more relevant and accessible to the modern Greek populace. His efforts to rejuvenate the Church's image, engage youth, and assert its role in national life defined his significant and sometimes controversial, but always impactful, tenure.

Frequently Asked Questions about Archbishop Christodoulos

When was Christodoulos born and when did he pass away?

Christodoulos, born Christos Paraskevaidis, was born on January 17, 1939, and passed away on January 28, 2008.

What was his primary role within the Church of Greece?

He served as the Archbishop of Athens and All Greece, holding the distinguished position of Primate of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Greece from 1998 until his death in 2008.

What does 'Primate of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Greece' mean?

As Primate, Christodoulos was the spiritual and administrative head of the Orthodox Church of Greece, which gained its autocephalous (self-governing and independent) status in 1850. This role involved leading the Holy Synod, overseeing the spiritual and administrative affairs of the clergy and faithful, and serving as the primary representative of the Church both domestically and internationally.

What were some notable aspects of his tenure as Archbishop?

Archbishop Christodoulos's tenure was characterized by a concerted effort to modernize the Church's public image and actively engage younger generations, including through the innovative use of communication technologies. He also notably emphasized the deep connection between Greek Orthodoxy and national identity and was a prominent voice in national debates, such as the widely publicized issue concerning the removal of religious affiliation from Greek identity cards.