Abp. John Delivers Keynote Address on Abp. Anastasios’s Legacy
Abp. John honored Abp. Anastasios as a “man of resurrection,” whose ministry rebuilt both churches and souls in post-communist Albania.
BROOKLINE, MA — His Beatitude Abp. John of Tirana, Durrës, and All Albania delivered the keynote address Monday evening at Hellenic College Holy Cross (HCHC) School of Theology, opening a three-day international conference, “Anastasios: Archbishop, Theologian, Missionary,” marking the first anniversary of his predecessor’s repose. The event, organized by HCHC’s Huffington Ecumenical Institute and Missions Institute, continues through March 4 with sessions on Abp. Anastasios’s theological scholarship, missionary work, and contributions to interreligious dialogue.
Moderating the opening session, co-organizers Fr. John Chryssavgis and Fr. Luke Veronis reflected on personal mentorship by Abp. Anastasios. “Very few religious figures in the modern era rise so far above the crowd that they literally become legends of integrity and landmarks of faith,” Fr. John said. Abp. Elpidophoros of America welcomed attendees, noting the enduring relevance of Abp. Anastasios’s humility and patience in today’s polarized world.
Abp. John highlighted Anastasios’s 1991 arrival in Albania, where he rebuilt over 400 churches and trained 145 clergy after decades of atheist suppression. “Walls can be rebuilt, but souls require much deeper, more patient, and more loving labor,” he said, recalling Anastasios’s teachings on faith, love, and service.
Abp. John's address can be seen here, at approximately the 53-minute mark.
Previously, the UOJ reported that Abp. John proposed the remedies for modern anxiety.
