The most senior leader in the Church of Greece, Archbishop Ieronymos, has tested positive for Covid-19. Ieronymos, 82, is currently being treated for mild symptoms in a central Athens hospital.

The Archdiocese of Athens insists that the decision to admit Ieronymos to hospital was taken out of an abundance of caution. It also noted that the Archbishop had been exceedingly careful to take the necessary precautions since the pandemic began and that he had undergone medical examinations after the recent meetings of the Permanent Holy Synod and prior to his meeting with the Greek Prime Minister three days ago. 

In a statement following his diagnosis, Ieronymous, who is the Archbishop of Athens and All Greece, said he was sharing in an "ordeal that concerns thousands of our brothers".

"I personally participate as a shepherd in the ordeal that concerns thousands of our brothers in our country and millions throughout the Universe," he said. “I share in the agony and pain and fear of all, that with our Faith in God we will all overcome."

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has been tested negative for the virus twice in the past ten days. He has personally contacted the Archbishop to convey his well wishes. 

A further update on Ieronymous's condition is expected by Friday.

Alongside his leadership role in the Church of Greece — which is part of the wider Greek Orthodox Church — Ieronymos also serves as primate of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Greece.