Metropolitan John of Korçë has been elected Archbishop of Tirana, Durrës, and all Albania, following the passing of Archbishop Anastasios. His appointment is historic, being the first Albanian archbishop in over 30 years. Archbishop John’s enthronement ceremony is scheduled for March 29 and is expected to draw representatives from various Orthodox Churches and believers.
The Holy Synod of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania has unanimously elected Metropolitan John of Korçë as the new Archbishop of Tirana, Durrës, and all Albania. This significant event follows the death of Archbishop Anastasios on January 25, marking the first appointment of an Albanian cleric in over 30 years. The election occurred during the Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ in Tirana, where Orthodox believers joyously proclaimed “Axios!” in celebration of this historic moment.
In his address to the faithful, Archbishop John expressed his commitment to serving the Church with dedication and reverence for its traditions. He stated, “With humility, obeying the divine will, I accept this high service and promise that I will faithfully fulfill my duty. I will respect the holy tradition and will strive with all my strength to defend the rights of the Church,” as reported by the Associated Press.
The enthronement ceremony for Archbishop John is scheduled for March 29 at the Orthodox Cathedral in Tirana. The event is expected to attract representatives from 13 sister Orthodox Churches and numerous believers, symbolizing the broader Orthodox community’s support, confirmed by Shqiptarja.
Archbishop John, also known as Fatmir Pelushi, was born in 1956 in Korçë. He had served as Metropolitan since his enthronement in 1998 and demonstrated resilience during Albania’s years of dictatorship, secretly practicing his faith while working in a psychiatric hospital. After enduring religious persecution, he was baptized in 1979 and later moved to the United States in 1990 to pursue theological studies, establishing a foundation for his subsequent contributions to the Church in Albania.
The election of Archbishop John as the new leader of the Orthodox Church in Albania represents a pivotal moment in the Church’s history, marking the first Albanian appointment in over three decades. His commitment to upholding tradition, coupled with his extensive background in theology and community service, positions him to lead with integrity and strength. The upcoming enthronement ceremony is set to be a significant event for the Orthodox community.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
