Georgian Patriarch Ilia congratulates new head of Albanian Orthodox Church
Patriarch Ilia of Georgia. Photo: Georgian Church website
Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II, sent a congratulatory message to the newly elected Metropolitan Ioannis of Tirana and Archbishop of All Albania.
In his message, Patriarch Ilia II, on behalf of the Georgian Orthodox Church and himself personally, warmly congratulated Archbishop Ioannis on his election as the Primate of the Albanian Church.
"May the Lord grant you health, longevity, spiritual strength, and wisdom to fulfill the great responsibility entrusted to you so that you may become a worthy successor to the labors of His Beatitude Anastasios," the message reads.
The Patriarch expressed hope that during Metropolitan Ioannis’s tenure, the ties between the Churches would be further strengthened and that his archpastoral ministry would be fruitful, bringing spiritual joy both to his flock and to all of Orthodoxy.
"May our Lord Jesus Christ and the Most Holy Theotokos help you," Patriarch Ilia II concluded, signing the letter as Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Archbishop of Mtskheta-Tbilisi, and Metropolitan of Bichvinta and Tskhum-Abkhazia.
Earlier, UOJ reported that the World Council of Churches congratulated the new Albanian Primate.
Read also
SBU told Phanar many UOC bishops would join OCU in 2018, report says
According to a Phanar representative’s account, Ukrainian security services told the Constantinople delegation that many UOC representatives were prepared to attend the OCU’s “Unification Council.” In the end, only two did.
Catholic cardinal visits Ukrainian POWs during trip to Russia
During three days of consultations in Moscow, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi discussed prospects for ending the war in Ukraine.
Ukrainians help restore Serbian Orthodox church in Paris
Orthodox Ukrainians have become regular parishioners of St. Sava Church in Paris and have taken part in its restoration.
Bulgarian Church clergy and laity oppose Phanar head’s visit
More than 2,000 clergy and laity have called for the Ecumenical Patriarch’s visit to be canceled, citing disagreement with his actions and concerns that the visit could legitimize schism.
Unknown intruders break down doors at two UOC churches in Sloviansk
Archbishop Paisiy said OCU activists are suspected of breaking into the churches in Sloviansk, and police have launched an investigation.
Sviatohirsk Lavra prays for murdered monk on 40th day after death
The brethren of the Sviatohirsk Lavra held a memorial service for murdered Monk Varsonofiy, calling on the faithful to pray for the newly departed monk.