Bishop Prokopios, the Metropolitan of the Metropolis of Filippoi, Neapolis and Thasos, was drowned in the sea off the island of Thasos on Saturday.
The body of 78-year-old Bishop Prokopios was found floating in the sea area Kallirachi in the island of Thasos in the northern Aegean Sea.
His body was found by a deacon with whom Bishop Prokopios had an appointment for lunch.
According to Greek media information, the Bishop suffered a heart arrest while he was swimming in the sea off the beach where the Metropolis has its seat and runs also a summer camp.
Due to the extraordinary circumstance of the death, an autopsy will be conducted in the city of Komotini.
He has been suffering from heart problems since several years, media report.
Bishop Prokopios – Michael Tsakoumakas – was born, in 1939, in Vouno on the island of Chios in the Aegean Sea.
He attended the Theological School of Corinth, graduating in 1958, and the Theological School Athion graduating in 1963. Michael was ordained a deacon in 1960 with the name Prokopios and a priest in 1965.
Following his ordination Father Prokopios served as a preacher in the Metropolis of Corinth.
After his election to the episcopate in 1974 by the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece, Fr. Prokopios was consecrated the Metropolitan of the Metropolis of Filippoi, Neapolis and Thasos on May 24, 1974. He was enthroned at the Church of St. Paul on June 15, 1974.
The Holy Synod of the Greek Orthodox Church will have to name his successor. Bishop of Xanthi Panteleimon has been appointed temporary surrogate.
His funeral will take place in the city of Kavala on Monday.
