World Council of Churches congratulates new Albanian Primate

Orthodox Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ, Tirana, Albania, March 16, 2025. Photo: Orthodox Church of Albania

The Secretary General of the World Council of Churches, Professor Dr. Jerry Pillay, sent congratulations to Archbishop Ioannis of Tirana, Durres and All Albania, reports the website oikoumene.org.

“May the grace of our Triune God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – guide and strengthen you in your new ministry as you shepherd believers and bear witness to the Gospel of Christ in Albania and beyond,” wrote Presbyterian Pastor Pillay.

“Your election as Primate of the Church of Albania is an acknowledgement of your deep theological wisdom, unwavering faith and tireless service to the Orthodox Church of Albania,” Pillay noted and expressed gratitude for the active role of the elected archbishop in the activities of the WCC.

According to the Secretary General, the ministry of the new Albanian Primate begins at a time when the world is “in dire need of hope, healing and reconciliation.”

Pillay assured His Beatitude Ioannis of his prayers and support. "May God grant you wisdom, strength and many blessed years in your sacred service," he concluded.

Also on the WCC website were the congratulatory words of Bishop Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm, moderator of the WCC Central Committee. “The choice could not have been better,” he said. “With all your experience, your spiritual strength, your theological depth and your pastoral presence, you will be a blessing to the Church of Albania.”

Earlier, the Union of Orthodox Journalists wrote that Metropolitan Ioannis of Korça became the new Primate of the Albanian Church.

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