The Albanian Orthodox Church is set to begin the process of selecting a new leader following the passing of Archbishop Anastasios.
In an extraordinary session held on Saturday morning, the Holy Synod of the Albanian Church elected Metropolitan Ioannis of Korçë as the acting Archbishop.According to reports, Metropolitan Ioannis was the chosen successor of Archbishop Anastasios. He is known for his fluency in albanian.
Simultaneously occurring, the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece announced that a Divine Liturgy will be held at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens on Sunday, January 26th, in honor of the late Archbishop Anastasios.Metropolitan hierotheos of Nafpaktos and Agios Vlasios, the deputy president of the Holy Synod, will be co-celebrating the service. Following the Liturgy, a Trisagion will be held for the repose of Archbishop Anastasios’ soul.
Albanian Orthodox Church Mourns Passing of Archbishop Ieronymos
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The Albanian Orthodox Church is in mourning following the passing of Archbishop Ieronymos, the primate of the church of Greece. Archbishop Ieronymos, a respected religious leader known for his wisdom and guidance, passed away on January 26th, 2023.
His body will lie in state at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens, allowing the public to pay their respects untill Monday morning.The Archbishop will then be transported to Albania for his burial.
A five-day period of mourning has been declared by the Albanian Orthodox Church, commencing on January 25th and lasting until January 29th.
The funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 30th, at 11:00 am. The ceremony will be attended by prominent figures, including Greek Prime Minister kyriakos mitsotakis and PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis.
Archbishop Ieronymos’s legacy will be remembered for his dedication to the Church and his commitment to interfaith dialog.His passing is a significant loss for the Albanian Orthodox community and the wider Christian world.
A Dignified Farewell: Revered Figure Laid to Rest in Cathedral Crypt
A somber atmosphere descended upon the city as the beloved figure of [Name of deceased] was laid to rest today. The funeral service, attended by dignitaries and mourners from across the nation, was a testament to the profound impact [He/She] had on the lives of countless individuals.
Among the notable attendees was the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew,who delivered a moving eulogy,highlighting [Name of deceased]’s unwavering commitment to [mention key values or contributions]. The Patriarch’s words resonated deeply with the congregation, offering solace and reflection on the legacy of [Name of deceased].
The burial took place beneath the sacred altar of the Cathedral, in a specially prepared crypt that [Name of deceased] had personally overseen. This final resting place serves as a poignant reminder of [His/Her] enduring connection to the faith and the community.
Time.news Editor: The Albanian Orthodox Church is in the midst of a transition following the passing of Archbishop Anastasios. What are the implications for the Church moving forward?
Dr. Sophia Dimitriou,Religious Studies Expert: The passing of Archbishop Anastasios leaves a significant void in the Albanian Orthodox Church. He served for three decades and was deeply respected, not just within Albania, but also across the wider Orthodox world. His fluency in Albanian helped him connect wiht the faithful on a personal level. The Church now faces the challenge of selecting a new leader who can effectively guide them during this period of change.
Time.news Editor: How will the selection process work?
Dr. Dimitriou: The Holy Synod of the Albanian Church has already appointed Metropolitan Ioannis of Korçë as the acting Archbishop. Interestingly, reports indicate that he was chosen as Anastasios’s successor prior to his passing. This suggests a period of careful deliberation and consensus-building within the Church hierarchy. The formal process of electing a new Archbishop will involve consultation with various members of the clergy and discussions about the Church’s future direction.
Time.news Editor: Are there any specific qualities or experience that are likely to be prioritized during the selection process?
Dr. Dimitriou: The Albanian Orthodox church will likely seek a leader who embodies Archbishop Anastasios’s strong commitment to national identity and preservation of Albanian Orthodox traditions. His fluency in Albanian was highly valued, and that ability to connect directly with the people will undoubtedly be another factor considered. Additionally, they will likely look for someone with experience in navigating complex interfaith relations, as Archbishop Anastasios was known for his efforts in promoting dialog.
Time.news Editor: What impact will this transition have on the relationship between the Albanian Orthodox Church and other Christian denominations?
Dr. Dimitriou: Archbishop Anastasios played a key role in fostering interfaith dialogue. It’s crucial for the new leader to continue this work, especially in a region with a diverse religious landscape. Maintaining strong relationships with other Christian denominations, as well as with other faith communities, will be crucial for the Church’s ongoing mission and effectiveness.
