On an indefinite holiday, the Patriarchate of Alexandria and all Africa set up Metropolitan Ptolemy Panteleimon, by decision of the Patriarch of Alexandria Theodorus II, until the case is fully resolved, linked to an incident that occurred in Athens.

The decision was made public through an official announcement by the Patriarchate Secretariat, which refers to a "sad event" that took place in the Greek capital. Although the announcement does not mention more details about the nature of the incident, the patriarchal decision demonstrates the gravity with which the case is dealt with by church administration.

The charges charged by the Metropolitan Ptolemaides Panteleimon
It is recalled that Metropolitan Panteleimons was arrested in Athens by the I.A. Group, following complaints that he was engaged in obscene acts and exposed his genitals to passing citizens. According to official evidence and police reports, the incident occurred in Petralona, Athens. The Metropolitan was taken to the Security Department in order to face the charges attributed to him.

Waiting for full investigation
The indefinite holiday is one of the most serious administrative measures that can be imposed on a clergyman of a high church position. It does not constitute a conviction or prejudge the outcome of the case, but aims to ensure the proper functioning of the Church and to protect the validity of the institution until the envisaged investigation procedures are completed.

According to church sources, in such cases the holiday remains in force until both internal church procedures and any investigations by the competent political authorities are completed, provided they are involved in the case.

Who is the Metropolitan Ptolemaid Pantelemon?
Metropolitan Ptolemaidos Pantelemon belongs to the hierarchy of Patriarchate of Alexandria, which is one of the oldest Patriarchates of the Orthodox Church and has in his spiritual jurisdiction the entire African continent.

The Patriarchate of Alexandria in recent years has developed significant missionary activity in African countries, with the establishment of new dioceses, the construction of temples, schools and social structures, as well as the strengthening of local Orthodox communities. For this reason, any case involving a member of the higher church leadership attracts particular interest in both church and wider public debate.

Institutional alert message
Patriarch Theodorus II’s decision is interpreted by church circles as an indication of the Patriarch’s intention to move transparently and institutionally strictly towards issues that may affect the credibility of the Church.

At the same time, the fact that the holiday was immediately imposed and without the investigation of the case being completed, aims to avoid any shadow on the Church's work in Africa, until there is a complete picture of the facts.

The announcement of the Patriarchate of Alexandria
From the Patriarchate of Alexandria and all Africa, it is announced that, after the sad event of the taking place in Athens, the Most High Metropolitan Ptolemy Pantelemon, is set for an indefinite holiday, until he is resolved.

In Alexandria on 15 June 2026

From the Patriarchate Secretariat