Abp. John Named Albania’s Person of the Year
Abp. John of Albania was named “Person of the Year” for his decades-long spiritual leadership and pivotal role in rebuilding the Albanian Orthodox Church.
TIRANA, ALBANIA — Abp. John of Tirana, Durrës, and all Albania has been named “Person of the Year” following an online vote, receiving 32% of more than 10,000 votes cast. The Albanian primate stood out among 12 nominees selected by the editorial team of Newsbomb.al, a political and social news outlet.
Altin Dumanaj, head of Albania’s Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK), came in second with 28%, while national football team coach Sylvinho took third with 8%.
Born Fatmir Pelushi in 1956, Abp. John was secretly baptized during Albania’s religious persecutions and later studied psychology in Tirana. After fleeing to Italy and the U.S., he earned advanced theological degrees at the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. Returning to Albania in 1992, he became a professor and later bishop, eventually leading as Archbishop, following the passing of Abp. Anastasios.
The recognition highlights his enduring spiritual leadership and role in rebuilding the Albanian Orthodox Church.
Previously, the UOJ reported on Abp. John's reception of a delegation of the Russian Orthodox Church.
