A Greek Orthodox bishop, Bishop Chrysanthos of Limassol in Cyprus, has resigned after the church accused him of corruption involving millions of dollars.

Following an investigation, the church's governing body, the Holy Synod, charged Bishop Chrysanthos with involvement in illegal financial deals.

On one trip to the Philippines he is said to have suddenly come into possession of assets worth one-hundred-and-seventy million dollars.

The BBC correspondent in Cyprus says the revelations have started a debate about the role of the Greek Orthodox Church, which is the biggest landowner on the island and is regularly involved in business deals.