Amid applause, the faithful accompanied former Metropolitan Anthimos to his final resting place, in the courtyard of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Gregory Palamas in Thessaloniki. The 91-year-old hierarch was buried this afternoon in the cenotaph of the late Metropolitan of Thessaloniki Gennadios, according to his own wishes. Relatives brought soil from his birthplace in Ilia for the burial.
Earlier, a funeral service for Anthimos was held at the Cathedral and Pilgrimage Church of Hagia Sophia in Thessaloniki, officiated by Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece. With the church bells ringing mournfully, a large crowd gathered at the cathedral to pay their respects, subsequently following the procession to the Church of Saint Gregory Palamas.
In his eulogy, Konstantinos Gioulekas, Deputy Minister of Interior responsible for Macedonia-Thrace affairs, described Anthimos as a passionate Greek and patriot who embodied the greatness of Orthodoxy.
Athina Aidona, Regional Governor of Central Macedonia, referred to Anthimos as a significant figure and a hierarch who left his mark on the community and faithful. The Mayor of Thessaloniki, Stelios Angeloudis, spoke of a great and authentic personality who walked the path of responsibility and devotion, committed to the principles of Orthodox faith.
Metropolitan Philotheos of Thessaloniki praised Anthimos’s work, describing him as a noble, charitable, and discreet individual.
“We say goodbye today to a spiritual leader who left his mark on the spiritual and religious life of Northern Greece,” said Apostolos Tzitzikostas, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport.
“A hierarch with the spirit of a Macedonian fighter, beloved by the people and known for extensive charitable works. May we have his blessing, and may God rest his noble soul,” said Dimitris Natsios, leader of the political party “Niki.”
The Metropolitan’s body was transported from the Cathedral of Hagia Sophia to his burial place on a military jeep provided by the Historical Military Vehicles Association, escorted by an army honor guard and accompanied by marching music from the bands of the Municipality of Thessaloniki and the Greek Armed Forces.
