Albanian archbishop comments on his position regarding OCU
Archbishop Ioannis. Photo: Press Service of the Albanian Church
The newly elected Primate of the Albanian Orthodox Church, Archbishop Ioannis, explained his stance on the issue of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), according to the Union of Orthodox Journalists in Albania, citing Ethnikos Kirikas.
The Archbishop said that the Albanian Church deeply regrets the current ecclesiastical situation in Ukraine. In his words, “It is a true tragedy that has divided many Churches.”
“Our position has already been clearly stated in the decisions of our Synod. There is nothing more we can add to that,” he emphasized, adding that “Archbishop Anastasios had the gift of foresight and understood where everything was heading.”
“I believe he acted very diplomatically. He sought compromise and accepted proposals from both sides,” Archbishop Ioannis said.
In order to overcome the division among the Churches, he noted, “goodwill is necessary.”
As a reminder, Archbishop Anastasios and the Synod of the Albanian Church have, since 2019, issued numerous consistent statements criticizing the legalization by Constantinople of Denysenko, Maletich, and their followers. The UOJ analyzed these in the article ‘The Testament of Archbishop Anastasios of Albania Regarding Ukraine’.
Read also
The Synod of the Bulgarian Church opposed the gay parade in Sofia
The Holy Hierarchy called upon parents, the state, and society to protect marriage, family, and the spiritual and moral upbringing of children.
A 30-kilometer procession took place in Bukovina to the Slatina Monastery
Pilgrims traveled the path from Storozhynets to the women's monastery "Slatina" in Bukovyna with prayers for peace, preservation of the Church, and for the defenders of Ukraine.
Ukrainians and Russians have blood of the same color, we need to negotiate, – Usyk
According to Usyk, when calling for agreements with Russia, he speaks not as a politician, but as an ordinary person and a Christian who wants peace and does not understand the logic of enmity.
TRC detains multi-child father and UOC deacon in Lutsk
Deacon Andriy Virny of the Three Holy Hierarchs Church had an official deferment and three children, however TRC employees detained him, insulting him for his affiliation with the UOC.
Usyk: Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra proves the antiquity of the Ukrainian nation
Speaking in the United States, the world champion described the Kyiv monastery as evidence that the Ukrainian nation has lived on its land for thousands of years.
UOC priest wounded in drone strike in Bilopillia
Priest Maksym Andrukhov sustained shrapnel wounds to his arm, head and leg; his mother Valentyna was also injured.