The Church of England's governing body, the General Synod, held the farewell service for the Rt Rev Richard Chartres at Church House on Thursday which included by a 15 minute tribute from the Archbishop of Canterbury Most Rev Justin Welby.
Responding to the standing ovation and applause which following Archbishop Justin's speech, Bishop Richard said: "This is not supposed to be a Soviet party conference."
The applause - which lasted 61 seconds - and tribute to Bishop Richard marked a more relaxed moment in the annual General Synod meeting, which has also been debating contentious issues such as a report by bishops on sexuality.
Following a round of laughter, a speaker in the chamber responded: "No interruptions from the gallery please."
Archbishop Justin said: "So many have found the joy of knowing Jesus Christ through the episcopate of this Bishop of London that, Richard and Carolyn, we can thank you and your whole family deeply and sincerely for your service and your ministry."
The 132nd Bishop of London, Richard Chartres is retiring this year from the position, which he has held since November 1995.
A public farewell was held for Bishop Chartres at St Paul's Cathedral in central London earlier this month, when he called on Christians to model how relationships can trump materialism.