By Fr. Ilias Makos
The Interreligious Council of Albania convened in its new composition, following significant changes in leadership within the country’s religious communities. Archbishop Ioannis, the newly elected head of the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania, assumed the seat previously held by the late Archbishop Anastasios. Likewise, Erion Silarit, the new president of the Evangelical Brotherhood of Albania, succeeded his predecessor in the Council.
During the session, the Council’s president, Catholic Bishop Gjergj Meta, paid tribute to the late Archbishop Anastasios, who fell asleep in the Lord in 2025. Bishop Meta highlighted the Archbishop’s decisive role in the founding of the Interreligious Council in 2007, noting that he was among its first members and remained deeply committed to its mission throughout his life.
He recalled that Archbishop Anastasios tirelessly promoted not only dialogue and cooperation between Albania’s religious communities but also a lived model of peaceful coexistence, which has become a hallmark of Albania’s interreligious identity.
The Interreligious Council also addressed several pressing issues affecting religious communities in Albania. Among the key topics discussed were the ongoing delays in the return of religious property, state taxation affecting religious institutions, and the Council’s response to the proposed legislation on family and gender equality.
The Interfaith Council of Albania is composed of the leaders of the country’s major religious bodies:
• Bujar Spahiu, Head of the Muslim Community of Albania
• Archbishop Ioannis, Primate of the Orthodox Church of Albania
• Bishop Gjergj Meta, representative of the Catholic Church
• Edmond Brahimaj, World Leader of the Bektashi Order
• Erion Silarit, President of the Evangelical Brotherhood of Albania
