Albanian Primate Discusses Situation in Ukraine with Head of ROC DECR

Archbishop John of Albania and Metropolitan Anthony, Head of the ROC DECR. Photo: Press Service of the Albanian Church.

TIRANA — On August 12, 2025, the Primate of the Albanian Church, Archbishop John, received at his residence a delegation of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) headed by Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, Chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate’s Department for External Church Relations (DECR), the press service of the Albanian Church reported.

According to the statement, the parties “exchanged views on inter-Orthodox relations, as well as on various topics related to the witness of Orthodoxy in the modern world.”

“Special attention was given to the important issue of peace in Ukraine,” the press release noted.

Also representing the Albanian Church at the meeting were Metropolitan Anthony of Elbasan, Metropolitan Nathaniel of Amantia, and Bishop Anastasios of Krujë.

The ROC DECR delegation included Patriarchal advisor Archpriest Nikolai Balashov and DECR Deputy Chairman Archpriest Igor Yakimchuk.

Previously, UOJ reported that the head of the ROC DECR had highlighted tensions between the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC) and the Vatican during a recent interview with Russian media.

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