A hierarch of the Patriarchate of Alexandria has been suspended from ministry for an indefinite period following an incident in Athens

Theodore II, Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, has decided to suspend Metropolitan Panteleimon of Ptolemais indefinitely from his ministry following his arrest on June 11 in Athens in connection with reports of “inappropriate behavior in a public place.” According to the Greek publication ekirikas.com, the suspension will remain in effect until the circumstances of the incident have been fully clarified.

According to a statement released by the Patriarchate of Alexandria, Metropolitan Panteleimon is suspended from his duties for an indefinite period. The decision was made by Patriarch Theodoros II of Alexandria following an incident that occurred in Athens.

The statement, dated June 15, 2026, and released in Alexandria, states that the measure was taken “as a result of a tragic incident” and will remain in effect until the matter is fully clarified. The statement does not disclose any details of the incident.

Metropolitan Panteleimon is one of the prominent hierarchs of the Patriarchate of Alexandria. As the source notes, he served for many years as chief secretary of the Holy Synod, which underscores the significance of this decision for the church’s administration.

As a reminder, we previously reported that a metropolitan of the Patriarchate of Alexandria had been detained by Greek law enforcement in Athens .