Metropolitan Panteleimon of Ptolemais suspended following arrest in Athens

Metropolitan Panteleimon of Ptolemais has been placed on indefinite administrative leave by the Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa. The decision was announced by Patriarch Theodore II following reports of an incident in the Petralona district of Athens. According to police reports, the Metropolitan was detained by the DIAS police unit after citizens filed complaints regarding indecent exposure in public. The cleric was subsequently taken to a local police station to address the accusations. The Patriarchate has described the matter as a 'sad event' and emphasized the severity of the administrative action. The suspension serves as a temporary measure to protect the reputation of the Church while investigations are ongoing. This action does not constitute a formal conviction but is intended to facilitate a full inquiry into the conduct of the high-ranking cleric. Authorities and the Church are currently working to clarify the details surrounding the arrest.