Albanian Primate Recognized for Leadership and Service
Photo: ekklisiaonline.gr
TIRANA, ALBANIA — His Beatitude Abp. Ioannis of Albania has been nominated for Person of the Year 2025 in Albania, according to News Bom, which is conducting an ongoing online vote, reports Ekklisia Online. The Albanian primate joins a diverse field of candidates, including a Supreme Court justice, a businessman, a former MP, journalists, a sea captain who died saving lives at Lake Shkodra, and the Brazilian coach of the national football team.
Abp. Ioannis became head of the Albanian Orthodox Church in March following the repose of Abp. Anastasios. He previously served 27 years as Metropolitan of Korçë and was baptized during Albania’s atheist period by the late Bp. Kosmas Qirios, a martyr.
Since his enthronement, he has advanced the Church’s mission, reclaimed properties recognized by courts, and fostered interfaith cooperation while maintaining constructive dialogue with the government and other Christian communities.
Previously, the UOJ reported that Abp. Ioannis had met with Pope Leo.
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