Albania’s Orthodox Church enthrones new Archbishop Ioannis of Tirana, Durrës, and All Albania

The historic moment marked a new era for the Orthodox Church of Albania, following the passing of the late Archbishop Anastasios.

The ceremony was held in the presence of representatives from Orthodox churches, diplomatic missions, religious leaders, government officials, and a multitude of faithful.

The encyclical of the Holy Synod, appointing the new archbishop, was read by Bishop Anastasios of Krujë, followed by the official enthronement service and a series of addresses. Metropolitan Nikolaos of Apollonia and Fier was the first to address the new primate, handing him the pastoral staff on behalf of the Holy Synod.

Resurrection of Christ Orthodox Cathedral, Tirana, Albania, 29 March 2025, Photo: Elvis Gorica/Orthodox Church of Albania

He was followed by Fr Alexios Donis, a clergyman of the Archdiocese of Tirana, and then by Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon, representing Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. The final address was delivered by the president of the Republic of Albania, Bajram Begaj.

In his enthronement speech, Archbishop Ioannis expressed deep gratitude to God and to all who had contributed to the progress of the Church of Albania.

He stated: “We thank and honor the martyrs of Illyria, who spread the light of faith throughout the regions we now live in through their blood and lives; the saints who kept the flame of faith alive across the centuries; and the new martyrs, who, during an especially difficult time for our Church and our country, gave their lives to preserve their faith, national identity, and language.”

He made special mention of his predecessors, particularly Fan Noli and Archbishop Anastasios, of whom he said: “Not only did he succeed in rebuilding the church’s physical structure and infrastructure, but his greatest effort was to cultivate a church where God is worshipped ‘in spirit and in truth.’ ”

Archbishop Ioannis outlined seven main priorities for his ministry: the preservation of Holy Tradition, the strengthening of unity within the church, the balance between the “Gospel of the Kingdom” and the “Social Gospel,” the protection of the values of marriage and family, the preservation and promotion of interreligious coexistence in Albania, the encouragement of young people to love and remain in their homeland, and the cultivation of relationships with other churches and religious communities.