Albanian Primate discusses situation in Ukraine with ROC DECR Chairman

Archbishop John of Albania and the head of the ROC Department for External Church Relations (DECR), Metropolitan Antony. Photo: Press Service of the Albanian Church

On 12 August 2025, the Primate of the Albanian Church, Archbishop John, received at his residence a delegation of the Russian Orthodox Church headed by Metropolitan Antony of Volokolamsk, Chairman of the DECR, the press service of the Albanian Church reported.

It was noted that the sides “exchanged thoughts on inter-Orthodox relations, as well as on various topics related to the witness of Orthodoxy in the modern world.”

“Special attention was paid to the important issue of peace in Ukraine,” the press release stated.

Representing the Albanian Church at the meeting were Metropolitan Anthony of Elbasan, Metropolitan Nathaniel of Amanatia, and Bishop Anastasios of Kruja.

The ROC DECR delegation included Patriarchal adviser Archpriest Nikolai Balashov and DECR Deputy Chairman Archpriest Igor Yakimchuk.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the ROC DECR Chairman had informed the Pope of Rome about the persecution of the UOC.

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