Abp. John Leads Consecration of New Bishop in Albania

The consecration of Bp. Ignati of Amantia. Photo: Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania

TIRANA — The Resurrection Cathedral in Albania's capital hosted the installation of Archimandrite Ignati as Bishop of Amantia on May 3, 2026, during a Synodic Divine Liturgy led by Abp. John and members of the Holy Synod. The ceremony marked his formal elevation amid broad participation from clergy and faithful across the country.

Bp. Ignati had previously served as rector and administrator of the cathedral and was elected to the historic see of Amantia on April 28. Besides his native tongue, he is fluent in English, Greek, Italian, and is capable of reading German. In the past, he has served as chief secretary of the Holy Synod and head of the theological academy at the Monastery of St. Vlash. He was tonsured a monastic in 2017.

Bp. Ignati addresses the faithful at the Resurrection Cathedral in Tirana. Photo: Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania

During his consecration speech, Bp. Ignatius emphasized thanksgiving and obedience, saying:

"Standing before you today with a deep sense of respect and gratitude for the grace of love toward God, the Gospel, the Tradition, and the Holy Fathers — and especially for the necessity of serving mankind — I am once again compelled to obey the Church of Christ and accept another sacred and difficult responsibility: to be a bishop at such a young age. Saint Dorotheos of Gaza writes: 'He who entrusts himself to God no longer worries about himself, for he knows that God cares for him better than he does.'"

The newly consecrated bishop also mentioned the significance of two specific individuals in his formation and understanding of the virtue of patience.

"Personally, I have seen this in two individuals known to all of us here, and even to those far away. The first is the Apostle of modern times, the man who raised our Church in Albania from the grave, the blessed Abp. Anastasios, whose smile warmed every human heart. The second, no less important, humble, loving, hospitable, and above all long-suffering, is Bp. Ignatios Triantis, the man who showed me through his patience how to bear the cross with courage. His characteristic phrase was: 'God provides.'

In conclusion, Bp. Ignati acknowledged both the blessing and the responsibility that comes with episcopal ministry.

"Today, as I stand before you, my whole being is filled with a profound sense of the fear of God, for in the presence of the Triune God I understand that nothing comes from my own abilities, but everything is a gift from the Most High. At the end of the Psalter there is a short but deeply meaningful psalm. The holy David says: 'I was the smallest and youngest in my father’s house… He sent His angel and took me from my father’s sheep, and anointed me with the oil of His anointing.' The honor and blessing granted to me today are very great — but the responsibility is even greater. The words of the Prophet Isaiah cannot be avoided; they speak clearly and decisively: 'Here am I; send me.' Amen."

Previously, the UOJ reported that ROCOR consecrated Bp. Peter of Seattle in San Francisco.

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