Political and Religious Leaders Express Condolences Over the Passing of Albanian Archbishop Anastasios

More great content, memes, commenting and community not available on this site.

We are also on Facebook and Instagram which have been designated terrorist organizations by the Russian government.

On January 25, Archbishop Anastasios (Yannoulatos) of Tirana, Durrës, and All Albania passed away in Athens at the age of 95 due to multiple organ failure. The Albanian Orthodox Church reported that the Archbishop spent his final weeks in the hospital. Religious leaders of Orthodox Churches and political figures offered condolences to the Holy Synod of the Albanian Church, according to Euronews Albania.  

President of Albania Bajram Begaj expressed deep condolences, calling Archbishop Anastasios a great spiritual leader and the restorer of the Albanian Orthodox Church. He emphasized that the Archbishop's legacy will live on in the hearts of his followers.  

Prime Minister Edi Rama and Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha also extended their sympathies. Berisha acknowledged the Archbishop's immortal contribution to reviving the Church after the ashes of the communist dictatorship.  

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis highlighted Archbishop Anastasios's role as a defender of peace and human rights. He described him as a bridge of communication between peoples and an inspiration for future generations.  

His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’ expressed his condolences to the Holy Synod of the Albanian Orthodox Church, recalling long-standing fraternal relations with Archbishop Anastasios. "He frequently visited the Russian Orthodox Church and took part in significant Church celebrations," Patriarch Kirill noted, reminiscing about his 2018 visit to Albania.  

Serbian Patriarch Porfirije also conveyed his sympathies, praising the Archbishop's spiritual leadership and his commitment to resolving pressing ecclesiastical issues within the Orthodox world.  

The Archbishop and Synod of the Macedonian Orthodox Church emphasized that Archbishop Anastasios devoted his life and every gift from God to the well-being of his beloved flock, who recognized him as the good shepherd who laid down his life for his sheep (cf. John 10:11).  

Archbishop Anastasios was hospitalized in December and spent his final weeks at Evangelismos Hospital in Athens. His remains will be displayed for public veneration at Athens Cathedral before being transported to Tirana for the funeral service.  

Within two weeks, the Holy Synod of the Albanian Orthodox Church will convene to elect a new Archbishop. Metropolitan John (Pelushi) of Korça, a close associate of the late Archbishop, has been appointed as the locum tenens, according to Euronews Albania.  

The new Church leader will face the vital task of preserving Archbishop Anastasios's spiritual legacy and continuing his mission. According to the 2023 Albanian census, Orthodox Christians make up approximately 7% of the population, although the Church claims the actual number is higher.  

More great content, memes, commenting and community not available on this site.

We are also on Facebook and Instagram which have been designated terrorist organizations by the Russian government.