Archbishop of Albania takes the Oath of the Primate
The new Primate of the Albanian Church with the hierarchs. Photo: UOJ
On March 16, 2025, immediately after his election, the new Archbishop of Tirana, Durrës, and All Albania, Metropolitan Ioannis (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 Ioannis.
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 Ioannis of Korça had been elected as the new Primate of the Albanian Church.
Read also
Sumy Eparchy venerares miraculous Korsun-Shpylivka Theotokos Icon
Celebrations honoring the Mother of God’s icon known as the “Restorer of Sight” were held at Sumy Cathedral and concluded with a car procession around the city.
Receding Dniester in Khmelnytskyi region exposes foundation of flooded church
The foundation of St. John the Theologian Church, submerged during the construction of a hydroelectric power plant, has emerged for the first time in 45 years.
Medieval сhurch сrumbles as Culture Ministry сites missing agreement
The 14th–15th-century St. Nicholas Church in Chesnyky, Ivano-Frankivsk Region, is falling into disrepair.
Poland сondemns Lviv Regional Council's decision to declare 2007 year of UPA
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk says the Lviv Regional Council's decision to dedicate 2027 to the UPA and Roman Shukhevych is harmful to Ukraine.
OCU seeks court recognition of ownership of seized Cherkasy cathedral
The Cherkasy Regional Commercial Court will hear an OCU lawsuit seeking ownership of St. Michael's Cathedral, which was seized from UOC believers.
Lithuanian bishop: Ukraine is no model for believers' rights
Vicar of Vilnius Diocese voices concern over attempts to import Ukraine's religious conflict into Lithuania.