Albanien: 30th anniversary of enthronement of Abp. Anastasios
The Albanian Orthodox Church celebrated a major milestone yesterday, 30 years from the enthronement of His Beatitude Archbishop Anastasios as the primate of the then-newly revived Church. The anniversary was celebrated with the Divine Liturgy at the Resurrection of Christ Cathedral in Tirana, with hierarchs, clergy, and faithful from throughout the country, reports the Albanian Church. In June, the Local Albanian Church also celebrated the anniversary of the Archbishop’s election to the primatial throne in by the Holy Synod of the Patriarchate of Constantinople in 1992, after which he was enthroned on August 2.
His Eminence Metropolitan John of Korça spoke on behalf of the clergy and people, expressing his deep gratitude to Abp. Anastasios for everything he has done for the Albanian Church and people. In turn, Abp. Anastasios reminded the people that the work of reviving the Albanian Church wasn’t easy, but with the will of God, “the impossible becomes possible.” The clergy-lay assembly of the Albanian Church was held the same day, in the context of the Archbishops’ anniversary.
According to stats reported at the assembly, over the past 30 years, more than 160 churches and cathedrals have been built, 68 churches and monasteries recognized as cultural monuments have been restored, and more than 170 churches have been arranged.
His Beatitude received messages of congratulations from the primates of other Local Churches, including Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and Patriarch Daniel of Romania. (Quelle: www.orthochristian.com, 3. August 2022)