Date of enthronement of the new primate of the Albanian Church announced
The hierarchs of the Albanian Orthodox Church have proclaimed Metropolitan Joan of Korça as the First Hierarch, teacher, and spiritual leader.
On March 16, 2025, a session of the Holy Synod of the Albanian Orthodox Church took place in Tirana, during which the new Archbishop of Tirana, Durrës, and All Albania was elected.
Following the voting process, Metropolitan Joan (Pelushi) of Korça was elected to this high office.
The official announcement of the election results, signed by the members of the Synod, states:
“We, the hierarchs constituting the Holy Synod, gathered today, March 16, at the Synodal Center in Tirana under the chairmanship of His Eminence Metropolitan Joan of Korça, acting as the guardian of the Primate’s throne. Invoking the Holy Spirit and guided by the sacred canons and the Statutes of the Autocephalous Albanian Church, we have cast our canonical votes at the Holy Altar and have elected Metropolitan Joan of Korça as the Archbishop of Tirana, Durrës, and All Albania.
In this blessed moment, we proclaim him as our First Hierarch, teacher, and spiritual guide.”
The document was signed by Metropolitan Joan of Korça (acting as the guardian of the Primate’s throne), Metropolitan Demetrius of Gjirokastër, Metropolitan Nicholas of Apollonia and Fier, Metropolitan Anthony of Elbasan, Metropolitan Asti of Berat, Metropolitan Nathaniel of Amantia, and Bishop Anastasios of Krujë.
The solemn enthronement of the newly elected Archbishop will take place on March 29, 2025, at the Resurrection of Christ Cathedral in Tirana.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that Metropolitan Joan of Korça had been elected as the new Primate of the Albanian Church.
