Archbishop of Albania takes the Oath of the Primate

The new Primate of the Albanian Church with the hierarchs. Photo: UOJ

March 16, 2025 – The new Primate of the Albanian Orthodox Church promised to "uphold the sacred canons and Holy Tradition, to strive with all my strength to protect the rights of the Church, and to shepherd the spiritual flock entrusted to me."

On March 16, 2025, immediately after his election, the new Archbishop of Tirana, Durrës, and All Albania, Metropolitan John (Pelushi), took the oath of the Primate.

Standing on the ambon, he read aloud the following declaration:

"Praising the Triune God, I express my gratitude to the First Hierarchs of the Holy Synod, guided by the grace of the Holy Spirit, for my election to the esteemed archiepiscopal throne of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania."

"Humbly, in obedience to the Divine will, I accept this high office and solemnly pledge to fulfill my primate duties with devotion," said Archbishop John.

He further promised to "uphold the sacred canons and Holy Tradition, to strive with all my strength to protect the rights of the Church, and to shepherd the spiritual flock entrusted to me."

"Recognizing the gravity of this responsibility, I pray to our Lord Jesus Christ, the Founder of the Church, to grant me enlightenment, strength, and wisdom to carry out this holy ministry for the benefit of His Church. With my own hand, I sign this oath," the new Primate of the Albanian Church concluded.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that Metropolitan John of Korça had been elected as the new Primate of the Albanian Church.

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