Abp. John Marks First Year of Leadership in Albania

Photo: orthodoxyinamerica.org

TIRANA, ALBANIA — Sunday, March 29, 2026, marked one year since the enthronement of His Beatitude John of Albania, a milestone celebrating the continuation of the Orthodox Church of Albania into a new historical phase. Abp. John succeeded the venerable Abp. Anastasios Giannoulatos, who rebuilt the Church after decades of persecution, and during his first year has emphasized pastoral care, youth and family support, and interfaith dialogue in a society marked by religious diversity.

Reflecting on the anniversary, Abp. John highlighted the importance of unity within the Church, stating: “Only by being united can we succeed, because as the Gospel says, a house divided cannot stand. . . . Only if we are united can we stand and succeed.” He also underscored the enduring value of gratitude and continuity: “The Church has continuity, it is not the effort of separate individuals, but it is a community, a body.”

In a congratulatory message, His Grace Nikola praised Abp. John’s leadership over the past year, noting: “A captain of God was needed to lead this ship to its harbor, in the footsteps that Abp. Anastasios began; and you succeeded in doing so this year.” He emphasized the challenges John faced in guiding the Church, calling his accomplishments “a very difficult challenge for our Church. . . . You, the Blessed One, succeeded in everything.”

The anniversary celebrations, held at the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ in Tirana, featured liturgical services, reflections on the Church’s ongoing mission, and prayers for Abp. John’s continued health, wisdom, and spiritual fruitfulness. Clergy, faithful, and members of the Holy Synod joined in expressing their gratitude, reaffirming the Church’s commitment to maintaining the unity and vitality of Orthodoxy in Albania.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Abp. John led the Divine Liturgy at the Boston Cathedral of St. George.

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