The Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania has announced the passing of Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana, Durres, and All Albania. The esteemed Archbishop peacefully fell asleep in the Lord on January 25, 2025, at 08:30 AM, at the age of 95. He passed away at “Evangelismos” Hospital in Athens, following a prolonged illness and hospitalization at “Hygeia” Hospital in Tirana, succumbing to multiple organ failure.
The Church is calling on all the faithful, both in Albania and across the world, to offer prayers for the repose of his soul. Archbishop Anastasios’ death marks the end of a transformative era in the history of the Orthodox Church in Albania, one shaped by his steadfast leadership, profound faith, and unwavering dedication to the people of the Church.
Archbishop Anastasios’ tenure in Albania has left an indelible mark on the nation’s religious landscape. Appointed in 1992, he arrived at a time when Albania’s Orthodox Christian community had been decimated by years of atheist oppression under the communist regime. The once-thriving religious life in the country had been reduced to ruins, and the task of rebuilding the Church seemed insurmountable.
Yet, under Archbishop Anastasios’ leadership, the Church not only recovered but flourished. With a divine vision and tireless dedication, he oversaw the restoration of Albanian Orthodoxy from the ground up, transforming it into a beacon of faith and community. His work extended beyond restoring buildings—he revitalized the spiritual life of the Albanian people, guiding them through a process of healing and renewal.
During his remarkable 33-year leadership, Archbishop Anastasios played a pivotal role in the construction of hundreds of churches, monasteries, and sacred institutions across Albania. He provided the faithful with places of worship, education, and community, ensuring that the Orthodox Church would once again become a central pillar of Albanian society.
Archbishop Anastasios was also deeply committed to education and social welfare. He believed in the importance of nurturing both the intellect and the soul, establishing theological schools and seminaries to educate and ordain the next generation of clergy. His humanitarian efforts extended to social welfare projects, providing aid to marginalized and impoverished communities across Albania.
His dedication to his people was unwavering. Archbishop Anastasios not only served as their spiritual guide but also as a source of hope and renewal. His humility, sacrificial service, and deep faith resonated with the Albanian people, who witnessed firsthand his commitment to restoring both the dignity of the Church and the strength of its community.
Archbishop Anastasios’ leadership was marked by a visionary outlook that extended beyond the physical restoration of the Church. He understood that the Church’s role in Albania was not only as a spiritual refuge but as a source of unity and strength for the nation. His ministry focused on reconciliation, healing deep divisions and rebuilding trust in a country scarred by decades of persecution.
His vision also reached beyond Albania’s borders. Archbishop Anastasios worked tirelessly to strengthen the Church’s ties with the wider Orthodox Christian world, ensuring that Albania’s Orthodox identity remained firmly anchored in its ancient traditions while fostering unity and cooperation within the global Church.
Throughout his 95 years, Archbishop Anastasios devoted his life to the service of Christ and the betterment of the Church. His work stands as a testament to the power of faith, vision, and dedication in overcoming adversity. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of Christians in Albania and around the world, serving as a reminder of the transformative power of committed leadership.
As the Church of Albania and the global Orthodox community mourn his passing, the faithful are reminded of the profound love, hope, and faith Archbishop Anastasios instilled in all who knew him. His legacy will endure, continuing to shape the future of the Church for years to come.
As Albania enters a period of mourning, the Church urges all the faithful to pray for the soul of Archbishop Anastasios. His passing is a monumental loss, but his life and work will continue to inspire and guide those who follow in his footsteps. May his memory be eternal.
