A Legacy of Stewardship in Albania

The Falling Asleep of Archbishop Anastasios and the Enthronement of Archbishop Joan

"At the end of the 20th century, the Orthodox Church, like all other religious communities in the country, found herself completely destroyed, and her rebirth seemed like an impossible mission. But, again, God sent another enlightened man...Archbishop Anastasios ‒ who made possible the rebirth of our Church."  This reflection was offered by the newly enthroned Archbishop of Tirana, Durres, and All Albania ‒ His Beatitude Joan ‒ who has been called to fill the role of Archbishop Anastasios, of blessed memory, who fell asleep in the Lord this January. 

Having been blessed to participate in the Albanian Church's rebirth under Archbishop Anastasios, several Mission Center staff and missionaries attended his funeral. The Mission Center continues to be blessed to help the Church grow and progress under His Beatitude Joan. 

During his enthronement –– where Executive Director, Fr. Martin Ritsi and missionaries were present –– Archbishop Joan outlined seven priorities for continuing the legacy of stewardship he has so humbly inherited, including the preservation of Holy Tradition, the strengthening of unity within the Church, and the promotion of interreligious coexistence in Albania. 

Currently, five Mission Center missionaries are serving in Albania, and they will continue to be integrally involved in sustaining the Church’s ministries under Archbishop Joan. These ministries include training future leaders at the seminary in Durres, coordinating youth and outreach efforts across the country, and actively participating in ecumenical dialogue with other faith traditions. 

In a letter of support for His Beatitude, Fr. Ritsi shared, “On behalf of the Hierarchs of the Assembly of Canonical Bishops of the United States, and of the Orthodox Christian Mission Center, with our deepest respect, it is our prayer that the Lord may continually shine upon Your Beatitude and bless the wonderful ministry of sharing His love throughout the blossoming Church in Albania in the decades to come. Axios!” 

May God grant the newly enthroned Archbishop Joan many years as he leads the Church in Albania into a new era. Thank you for your ongoing prayers for his strength and for our brothers and sisters in Christ under his pastoral care.