Abp. John Reflects on His Return to Albania’s Orthodox Church

Photo: vema.com.au

TIRANA, ALBANIA — In an interview with veteran Albanian journalist Ferdinaro Samardzi, Abp. John of Albania reflected on his decision to embrace the priesthood and return to Albania during the turbulent early 1990s, when both the country and its Orthodox Church faced deep uncertainty. Despite opportunities to remain in the United States after completing his theological studies, he said he felt compelled to serve his homeland following the Church’s restoration.

Abp. John recalled a pivotal meeting in the United States with Abp. Anastasios, then Patriarchal Exarch, which shaped his pastoral path. After returning permanently to Albania in 1993, he served as a teacher before being ordained deacon and priest in 1994. His ecclesiastical responsibilities grew steadily, leading to his election as Metropolitan of Korçë in 1998 and his succession as Archbishop in 2025.

Reflecting on decades of enforced atheism and later rebuilding, Abp. John emphasized faith, perseverance, and hope, underscoring that the Church’s renewal depended not only on rebuilding structures, but on restoring hearts.

“I often say that what God opens cannot be closed by people," His Beatitude said. "If the candle is lit within a person’s soul, if love for God is illuminated, the path will include the Cross but also the joy of the Resurrection. The path does not end at the Cross but at the Resurrection. At that time, people understood the difficult situation, but the joy that life gives surpasses it. Even when it seemed unbelievable that someone could celebrate the Divine Liturgy, God protected us because the period was extremely dangerous.”

Previously, the UOJ reported that Abp. John was recognized for his leadership and service. 

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