Albanian priest: "We expect the new primate to follow Anastasios' path"

Father Ilia, rector of the Tirana church. Photo: UOJ

Father Ilia Mazniku, rector of the Church of Saint Procopius in Tirana, told a UOJ correspondent that the clergy and faithful of the Albanian Church expect the new primate to follow in the footsteps of Archbishop Anastasios.

"The new Archbishop of Albania has many responsibilities, but the most important one, which we all expect, is to follow the same path as Archbishop Anastasios," the priest underscored. "To continue successfully guiding the Orthodox flock! To maintain the Church's status as one of the oldest religious communities in Albania, possessing profound values! To preserve the harmony with other religious communities, which we have had until now thanks to the great work of Archbishop Anastasios. And to continue his mission of preaching the Gospel and Logos."

He believes that the new primate’s ministry will be easier because he will be following the path already laid by Archbishop Anastasios.

Father Ilia also highlighted that all members of the Synod of the Albanian Church were ordained during the democratic era, and the late Archbishop played a direct role in their formation.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that Metropolitan Ioannis of Korça was elected as the new primate of the Albanian Church.

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