Albanian Church commemorates Abp Anastasios on anniversary of his repose

Divine service in the Albanian Church on the anniversary of the repose of the Blessed Archbishop Anastasios. Photo: orthodoxalbania.org

At the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ in Tirana, a memorial Divine Liturgy and a service for the departed were celebrated on the anniversary of the repose of the Blessed Archbishop Anastasios of Albania. The commemorations took place on January 25, 2026, according to the press service of the Orthodox Church of Albania.

The service, presided over by Archbishop Ioannis, the current Primate of the Albanian Church, gathered clergy, monastics, and a large number of faithful.

Archbishop Ioannis noted that the memory of the departed archpastor “strengthens the path of every believer and inspires service to the Church and to society.” He recalled the words of Archbishop Anastasios, “Love knows no borders,” emphasizing that this principle became the foundation of his life and pastoral ministry.

Archbishop Anastasios of Albania reposed a year ago, on January 25, 2025, and became one of the most significant figures of contemporary Orthodoxy, the UOJ in Greece writes. His multifaceted ministry – both in missionary work in Africa and in the restoration of the Albanian Church – marks an important milestone in the church history of recent decades.

It was recalled that during the period from 1981 to 1991, while serving in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, he ordained 62 African clergy and contributed to the translation of the Divine Liturgy into four African languages.

Over the past 30 years, he was a pioneer in the revival of the Albanian Church. Archbishop Anastasios founded 400 parishes, established a theological school, ordained 145 clergy, rebuilt 150 churches, restored 70 monasteries, renovated 160 churches, and repaired 45 church buildings.

In the case of Archbishop Anastasios, journalists conclude, the principle that “there are no irreplaceable people” hardly applies.

As the UOJ reported, the European Parliament honored the memory of Archbishop Anastasios.

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