By Fr. Elias Makos
Archbishop Ioannis of Tirana, Durrës, and All Albania celebrated his first Name Day as Archbishop on Friday, September 26, 2029, the Feast of the Translation of St. John the Theologian, by presiding over the Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of the Resurrection in Tirana.
Concelebrating with him were members of the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church of Albania, including Metropolitan Nikolaos of Apollonia and Fier, Metropolitan Antonios of Elbasan, Metropolitan Nathanail of Gjirokastër, and Bishop (and Metropolitan-elect of Korçë) Anastasios, along with priests from across the dioceses of Albania.
Following the service, Archbishop Ioannis received heartfelt greetings, bouquets of flowers, and well-wishes from state officials, representatives of other faiths, and many faithful, particularly young people.
It is recalled that in a spirit of brotherly love and respect, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew addressed a letter to Archbishop Ioannis of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania on the occasion of his Name Day.
“Your Beatitude and Holiness, Archbishop of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania, in Christ our God, most beloved and longed-for brother and concelebrant of our Modesty, Lord Ioannis, we fraternally embrace Your venerable Beatitude in the Lord and greet You with heartfelt joy,” the Patriarch wrote.
Expressing gratitude to God for the ministry and witness of Archbishop Ioannis, the Ecumenical Patriarch emphasized the importance of thanksgiving and unity within the Orthodox Church. “Praising and glorifying the Lord of glory, who has granted to His Holy Church Your venerable Beatitude, and to us a most precious brother and fellow minister, we communicate with You to express the congratulations of the Holy Great Church of Christ on the occasion of Your sacred Name Day, as well as our personal festive wishes.”
Also, Pope Leo sent a letter of congratulations and prayerful wishes in which he said “on the day when the Churches of the East celebrate the liturgical memorial of the repose of Saint John the Apostle and Evangelist, your heavenly Patron, I willingly offer prayers for Your Beatitude, that Almighty God may bless you and those entrusted to your care with abundant spiritual gifts.”
And he added, “It is likewise my hope that Your Beatitude and all in the Church of Albania, by imitating the Apostle John, will always keep your gaze fixed on Jesus Christ and on the fullness of life and love that awaits us at His return in glory, as we continue to move forward, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, on the path towards reconciliation and the full restoration of communion between our Churches.”
Photo: Radio “Ngjallja”
