Ioannis Tassias facts for kids
Ioannis Tassias was an important Greek Orthodox bishop. He was born in Thessaloniki, Greece, on November 3, 1958. He became the Metropolitan of Langadas, known as Ioannis of Langada, in 2010. He served in this role until he passed away on November 15, 2020.
Early Life and Education
Ioannis Tassias was born in 1958 in Thessaloniki, Greece. He studied at a special school for church leaders. In 1979, he finished his studies at the Church Pedagogical Academy.
He continued his education at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. In 1982, he graduated from the Faculty of Pastoral and Social Theology. This faculty teaches about church leadership and community work.
Becoming a Church Leader
In 1982, Ioannis Tassias took an important step in his church career. He became a deacon in Thessaloniki. A deacon is a church official who helps the priests. Metropolitan Panteleimon, a senior bishop, led this special ceremony. After becoming a deacon, Ioannis Tassias led the youth department for the Metropolis of Thessaloniki. This meant he helped guide young people in the church.
In 1983, he became a presbyter, which is another word for a priest. He served as a priest in the Church of Saints Methodius and Cyril. Later, in 1994, he was appointed as a priest at the famous Cathedral of Saint Demetrius. He also held important roles like protosyncellus (a senior church administrator) and hegumen (leader) of the St. Theodore monastery.
Metropolitan of Langadas
On May 10, 2010, Ioannis Tassias was chosen for a very high position. The Holy Synod of the Greek Orthodox Church elected him to be the Metropolitan of Langadas, Liti, and Rentina. A Metropolitan is a bishop who leads a large church area.
Just a few days later, on May 16, 2010, he officially became a bishop. This special ceremony was led by Archbishop Ieronymos II of Athens. It took place at the Cathedral of Saint Demetrius in Thessaloniki.
Passing Away
In November 2020, Ioannis Tassias became ill. On November 13, 2020, he was diagnosed with COVID-19. He was taken to the Papageorgiou Clinic in Thessaloniki for care.
Sadly, two days later, on November 15, 2020, he passed away. He was 62 years old. He was the first Metropolitan of the Church of Greece to die from the COVID-19 pandemic.
