Seraphim of Athens facts for kids
Quick facts for kids His Beatitude Seraphim |
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| Archbishop of Athens | |
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| Enthroned | 13 January 1974 |
| Reign ended | 10 April 1998 |
| Predecessor | Ieronymos I |
| Successor | Christodoulos |
| Personal details | |
| Birth name | Vissarion Tikas |
| Born | 26 October 1913 Karditsa, Greece |
| Died | 10 April 1998 (aged 84) Athens, Greece |
Seraphim (born Vissarion Tikas) was a very important leader of the Church of Greece. He served as the Archbishop of Athens and All Greece for many years. He held this high position from 1974 until he passed away in 1998.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Seraphim was born in a village called Artesiano. This village is near the city of Karditsa in Greece. His birth year was 1913.
When he was older, he went to the University of Athens. He studied at the Theological School there. He started his studies in 1936 and finished them in 1940. During his second year of university, in 1938, he became a monk. He joined the Pendeli Monastery.
Becoming a Church Leader
Seraphim began his journey in the church as a deacon. A deacon is a church helper who assists priests. He was ordained by the Metropolitan Bishop of Corinth. He also served at the Church of the Holy Trinity.
In 1942, he became a priest and an archimandrite. An archimandrite is a high-ranking priest in the Eastern Orthodox Church. He served as a parish priest at the Church of St Luke in Patisia.
During World War II
During World War II, Greece was occupied by other countries. This was known as the Axis occupation of Greece. Seraphim joined a group called EDES. This group was part of the Greek Resistance. They worked to fight against the occupation.
Rising Through the Ranks
After the war, Seraphim continued to serve the church. He became the secretary of the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece. The Holy Synod is like the main governing body of the church.
In 1949, he was chosen to be the Metropolitan Bishop of Arta. A Metropolitan Bishop oversees a large church area. Later, in 1958, he moved to become the Metropolitan Bishop of Ioannina.
Archbishop of Athens
On January 13, 1974, Seraphim was elected to a very important role. He became the Archbishop of Athens and All Greece. He took over from Archbishop Ieronymos I. This made him the head of the entire Church of Greece.
Important Visits and Role
As the leader of the Church of Greece, Archbishop Seraphim traveled a lot. He visited other important church leaders. These included the Patriarchates of Constantinople, Antioch, Moscow, Sofia, and Belgrade.
During his 24 years as the church leader, he had another important duty. He swore in six different Presidents of Greece. He also swore in many Prime Ministers. This showed his significant role in the country.
Later Life
Archbishop Seraphim passed away in Athens on April 10, 1998. The Greek government honored him greatly. They declared four days of national mourning after his death.
