Archbishop of Albania: Orthodoxy is a key pillar of Albania’s European path

Archbishop Ioannis. Photo: Orthodoxia News Agency

In Brussels, Archbishop Ioannis of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania met with representatives of European Union institutions, during which the parties discussed the role of Orthodoxy as one of the key factors shaping Albania’s European trajectory, Orthodoxia News Agency reports.

Archbishop Ioannis’s visit was tied to events at the European Parliament marking the first anniversary of the repose of the late Archbishop of Albania Anastasios. Participants recalled his contribution to the restoration of the Orthodox Church in the country and to the formation of a model of peaceful coexistence among religious communities.

It was emphasized in the talks that Albania – where roughly half the population professes Islam – has for many years preserved a religious balance, and that the Orthodox Church plays an important role in supporting interreligious dialogue and social stability.

Archbishop Ioannis also pointed to ongoing challenges faced by religious communities, including issues related to property rights. He noted that resolving these matters is of fundamental importance for strengthening the rule of law and advancing Albania along the path of European integration.

The Albanian Orthodox Church stressed that the Brussels meetings confirmed the following – Albania’s European course entails not only political and economic reforms, but also the preservation of spiritual values, with Orthodoxy remaining an important element in the dialogue between Albania, the country’s Muslim majority, and the European Union.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the Albanian Archbishop discussed with the Pope the restoration of peace in hot spots.

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