Metropolitan Anastasios, Primate of the Albanian Church, Passes Away

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On January 25, 2025, the Most Blessed Archbishop of Tirana, Durres, and All Albania, Anastasios, reposed in the Lord at the age of 96. He passed away at the Evangelismos Hospital in Athens due to multi-organ failure, as confirmed by the Church's press office.

Archbishop Anastasios was hospitalized on December 30, 2024, in Tirana following complications from a seasonal viral infection. On January 3, his condition worsened, prompting his transfer to Athens aboard a Greek Air Force aircraft for intensive care. Despite the medical team’s efforts, his condition remained critical until his passing.

Archbishop Anastasios led the Albanian Orthodox Church for 33 years, beginning in 1991. His tenure marked a profound transformation of the Church, which had been nearly obliterated during decades of an atheistic regime. Under his leadership, hundreds of churches were rebuilt, and numerous educational and charitable institutions were established. He also nurtured a new generation of clergy, ensuring the Church's continued growth and vitality.

The Church's official statement lauded his unwavering faith, inspiring vision, and selfless dedication:
"For over 33 years, he led the Church, reviving its spiritual life and steadfastly supporting Orthodox believers."

Born Anastasios Yannoulatos on November 4, 1929, in Greece, he displayed a profound dedication to the Church from a young age. He graduated with honors from the University of Athens' School of Theology in 1951 and was deeply involved in youth ministry through the ZOE Brotherhood.

Ordained a deacon in 1960 and a priest in 1964, he balanced pastoral care with missionary work. He founded the Orthodox missionary center Porefthentes and contributed significantly to Orthodox missions in East Africa, revitalizing local Orthodox communities.

From 1972, he directed the Department of External Church Missions for the Church of Greece. He was active in ecumenical dialogues and founded a mission-focused monastery in Greece.

In 1991, following decades of suppression under Albania's communist regime, Archbishop Anastasios was sent by the Ecumenical Patriarchate to restore the Albanian Autocephalous Orthodox Church. His election as the Church's fourth Primate on June 24, 1992.

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