Anti-Vaxxer Bishop Who Believed 'God Doesn't Allow You To Be Infected' Dies Of COVID-19

A bishop, known for his staunch anti-vaccination and mask stance, has died of COVID-19 over a month after contracting the virus. His condition had deteriorated after having suffered severe brain damage.

Metropolitan Kosmas of Aetolia and Acarnania breathed his last at a hospital ICU in Western Greece on Monday, reported ekathimerini. The 76-year-old bishop's ICU admission sparked controversy among his critics.

Reports said Kosmas was a vocal critic of government measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 and made his disapproval to mask use and vaccination known to the faithful too.

Kosmas drew flak in 2020 when he reportedly lashed out at people who were reluctant to attend church at the heights of the COVID-19 outbreak. During a sermon, Kosmas said those who did not attend a packed church were "unfaithful."

"God does not allow you to be infected. God does not infect! It is a holy place, the temple is heavenly," he had controversially said at that time.

The Holy Synod took notice of Kosmas' outburst and summoned him. He was asked to explain himself over his "disobedience and disrespect of the unanimous decision of the collective body of the Church of Greece" regarding the COVID-19 curbs in place during the Easter period.

Kosmas tested positive for the virus on Nov. 18. His health worsened after which he was rushed to a hospital on Dec. 1 though he was against hospitalization, according to Orthodox Times. He was intubated but had to be transferred to Evangelismos Hospital. There, he suffered brain damage, which ruled out any chances of a return to service.

He was extubated a few days ago and as per the medical protocol, he had to undergo a tracheostomy. Despite that, he couldn't be saved.

Kosmas' 75-year-old sister too died of COVID-19 on Dec. 13. She was also unvaccinated and had serious underlying diseases. The woman lived with him at their home in Agrinio, a town in Greece.

Greece is currently battling a surge in COVID-19 cases with the average number of new infections reaching a new high. As of Monday, the daily cases touched 30,000. So far, the country has reported 1,105,885 confirmed cases and 20,557 deaths.