Patriarch of Russian Orthodox Church congratulates new Albanian Primate

Archbishop of Albania John. Photo: SPZh

Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church sent a congratulatory message to Metropolitan Joan of Korça on the occasion of his election as Primate of the Albanian Orthodox Church.

In his message to the newly elected Archbishop Joan of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania, Patriarch Kirill noted the high responsibility of his upcoming service.

“The all-good providence of God, through the conciliar will of your fellow bishops, placed you at the helm of the martyred Church, making you the successor of the ever-memorable His Beatitude Archbishop Anastasios,” reads the congratulations of the Primate of the Russian Church.

Patriarch Kirill particularly emphasized that in the current difficult times such service “is associated with tireless concern for church unity, zealous defense of the purity of faith and the canonical foundations of the Church, which requires special wisdom and considerable courage.”

"May your primatial ministry on the ancient Albanian land be blessed and peaceful. May our Great High Priest, the Lord Jesus Christ, multiply the pious flock entrusted to you," wished His Holiness the Patriarch to the new Primate of the Albanian Orthodox Church.

Let us recall that on March 16, 2025, the Holy Synod of the Albanian Orthodox Church elected Metropolitan John of Korça as the new Archbishop of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania.

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