After more than 30 years as head of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Pittsburgh, Metropolitan Maximos resigned because of health reasons.

"It's an emotional day for us," his niece, Linda Hages, 45, of Upper St. Clair, said on Friday. "Obviously, he made the right decision for him and his people."

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America said Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit would take over at the Pittsburgh metropolis until a replacement is chosen. The metropolitan submitted his resignation last month, and it was accepted by church leaders this week.

Metropolitan Maximos, 76, suffered a head injury in 2005 when he fell and since has suffered health issues. He could not be reached for comment.

Born Maximos Aghiorgoussis, he was ordained as a deacon in 1957 and became a priest in 1959. He was enthroned as the first bishop of the Pittsburgh metropolis in 1979.

As head of the Pittsburgh metropolis, he oversaw 52 parishes in Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia. The Rev. Archdeacon Ryan Gzikowski, chancellor of the Pittsburgh metropolis, said there are about 12,500 households in the metropolis.

Gzikowski said the metropolitan would continue to focus on his theological and academic writings.

"He always distinguished himself as a very pastoral bishop," Gzikowski said. "He was always very sensitive to the clergy and their families."

Hages said her uncle was "inspirational to the youth in the church," noting that he started a summer camp.

"The children are what's important in his ministry," she said.

Archbishop Demetrios, head of the American archdiocese, said in a statement that Metropolitan Maximos shepherded people "with apostolic zeal and with fatherly love and exemplary pastoral care."

As metropolitan, he held ongoing theological discussions with the Orthodox and members of other Christian faiths.

"Without a doubt, he was the unwavering voice of ecumenical patriarchate in our midst, representing the spirit, the ethos and the tradition of the mother church," Demetrios said.

Said Hages: "It's been a job of love. He's loved his people."

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