Greek Orthodox Church head Christodoulos has died

The head of the Greek Orthodox Church, Archbishop Christodoulos died on Monday morning, his seat in Athens has announced, quoted by international newspapers. Archbishop Christodoulos, aged 69 was suffering of liver cancer and unsuccessfully tried to undergo a transplant surgery in Miami, Florida.

Christodoulos was one of the most influential and dynamic leaders of the Greek Orthodox Church. Christodoulos’s policy emphasized a closer relationship with the Catholic Church, inviting Pope John II in Athens in 2001 and then visiting the Vatican to meet Pope Benedict in 2006.

Greek authorities have instated a four-day national mourning period. Funerals will take place on Thursday, Greek newspapers announce, quoted by their international counterparts. Romania’s Patriarch Daniel is due to decide on Monday who will represent Romania at the ceremonies.