Ecumenical Patriarch Meets with Abp. John of Albania on Austrian Trip
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew concluded his annual restorative visit to Austria, accompanied by high-ranking Orthodox hierarchs.
CONSTANTINOPLE — His Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew returned late on Sunday, February 22, from a week-long visit to the Salzburg region of Austria, where he took time for rest and spiritual renewal, a tradition he observes nearly every year with close associates.
This year’s delegation included Abp. John of Albania and Metr. Anastasios of Korçë, alongside Metr. Arsenios of Austria, the Codicographer of the Holy and Sacred Synod, Mr. Evlogios, and Archimandrite Kallinikos Chasapis, who serves in the United States. During the visit, the Patriarch and his entourage met with the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Salzburg, Msgr. Franz Lackner, and visited the women’s monastery of Maria im Paradies, where Metr. Arsenios periodically gives lectures on Orthodox theology and spirituality.
Upon their return to Constantinople, Patr. Bartholomew, Abp. John, and their delegations were welcomed at the airport by the Protosyncellus, Metr. Gregorios of Ankara, marking the conclusion of a week of fellowship, dialogue, and spiritual enrichment.
Previously, the UOJ reported that Abp. John preached mercy and repentance in Tirana.
