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==Life==Christodoulos was born at Xanthi in 1939. In 1962 he graduated from the School of Law and in 1967 from the School of Theology. In 1961 he was [[ordination|ordained]] [[deacon]], and [[priest]] in 1965. He served as a preacher and senior spiritual father at the church Church of Assumption of the Virgin Mary at Palaio Phalero for nine years, and, for seven years he served as a Secretary of the [[Holy Synod]]. He took part in many religious missions abroad. He is earned a Doctor Doctorate of Theology, he has a degree as well as degrees in French and English, and he also speaks spoke Italian and German. He is was the author of many scientific and constructive books. He has been writing had written articles in religious press and in dailies.

:"Christodoulos has often stirred controversy with politically tinged statements. He was instrumental in attempts to improve ties with the [[Roman Catholic|Catholic Church]]; in 2001, Christodoulos received in Athens [[Pope]] [[John Paul II]]—the first pope to visit Greece in nearly 1,300 years—ignoring loud protests from Orthodox zealotsbelievers. He followed up last year In 2006 with , he made a historic visit to the Vatican, where he and Pope [[Benedict XVI]] signed a joint declaration calling for inter-religious dialogue and restating opposition to [[abortion]] and [[euthanasia]]. In Greece, politicians accused the archbishop of meddling in their affairs, and were angered by his vocal criticism of everything from [[homosexuality]] and [[w:Globalization|globalization]] to Turkey's efforts to join the European Union and a recent government effort efforts to tone down nationalism in school history books." {{ref|1}}

He was a charismatic leader who engaged the youth of the country and who is was also credited with reinvigorating the vast institution of the church in Greece during his tenure.

In June 2007 , after undergoing intestinal surgery in Athens the Archbishop was diagnosed with liver and colon cancer after undergoing intestinal surgery in Athens. He then waited fifty days in Miami, Florida for a compatible liver to become available. However, however the transplant was halted in October 2007 after tumors were found in the archbishop's abdominal cavity. He died from the spread of cancer on [[January 28]], 2008. A four-day period of mourning was announced by the government of Greece following his death including which included funeral plans befitting a head of state.