Archbishop Anastasios, who played a pivotal role in reviving Albania's Orthodox Christian Church following the fall of the communist regime in 1990, was mourned by thousands of Albanians in the capital city of Tirana. The Archbishop, who passed away at the age of 95 in Athens, was remembered for his significant contributions to the religious landscape of the country.
Under the communist rule that lasted nearly 50 years, all forms of religion were prohibited in Albania, with properties of various religious institutions being seized. However, Archbishop Anastasios led the resurgence of the Orthodox Church in 1991, laying the foundation for its revival.
The funeral service held at the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ in Tirana drew a somber crowd, including Albanian leaders, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Orthodox clergy from across the globe, and representatives of various religious denominations. The Archbishop's funeral procession, which began in Greece, took two days to reach Tirana, where he was laid to rest.
Archbishop Anastasios, born in Greece in 1929, dedicated himself to rebuilding the Albanian Orthodox Church, overseeing the construction of numerous churches, establishing educational and charitable institutions, and training a new generation of clergy. His efforts have been instrumental in the resurgence of Orthodox Christianity in Albania.
Orthodox Christians constitute approximately 7% of Albania's population, as per the 2023 census, though the church believes the actual number to be higher. The majority of Albanians identify as Muslim, with Orthodox and Catholic Christians forming a significant portion of the remaining population.
The Albanian Orthodox Church will soon elect a successor to Archbishop Anastasios, who leaves behind a lasting legacy of religious revitalization in the country.
