The annual memorial service for the late Archbishop of Albania Anastasios was held with profound emotion in Tirana on Sunday, January 25, as a large number of faithful from across Albania, as well as several from Greece, filled the Cathedral of the Resurrection.
The concelebrated Divine Liturgy was presided over by his successor, Archbishop Ioannis, who also officiated at the memorial service. He was joined by the Hierarchs of the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church of Albania: Metropolitan Nikolaos of Apollonia and Fier, Metropolitan Antonios of Elbasan, Metropolitan Nathanael of Gjirokastër, Metropolitan Astios of Berat, and Metropolitan Anastasios of Korçë, as well as Metropolitan Isaak of Germany.
In his homily, Archbishop Ioannis reflected on the life and legacy of Archbishop Anastasios, emphasizing once again that his true greatness was manifested in his love for all people, regardless of origin or beliefs. He referred to this enduring witness as “the Divine Liturgy after the Divine Liturgy.”
Archbishop Ioannis further noted that the entirety of Archbishop Anastasios’ work was rooted in his deep faith in God, his loving heart, and his resurrection-centered virtues.
He added that Albania needs the spirit of Anastasios, and that indeed the whole world needs this spirit, stressing that only upon a divine foundation can just and authentic relationships among people be built—precisely as Anastasios envisioned and embodied throughout his life.
Following the Divine Liturgy, a Trisagion service was held at the tomb of the late Archbishop Anastasios, presided over by Archbishop Ioannis and attended by the members of the Holy Synod of Albania. It is recalled that Anastasios himself chose to be buried in Albania, in a crypt of the Cathedral of the Resurrection—a place he personally built and to which he devoted his life’s work.
Fr. Ilias Makos
