In an exclusive interview with Shqiptarja, Archbishop Ioannis of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania reflects deeply on the spiritual and social challenges facing Albania and the wider Balkans.
He honors the legacy of two towering Christian leaders, Archbishop Anastasios and Pope Francis, acknowledging their profound impact on faith and community.
Addressing the growing spiritual hunger among young people, he emphasizes the Church’s role in nurturing a higher purpose amid modern struggles. Archbishop Ioannis also calls for unity in diversity within the Albanian Church and the Balkans, urging reconciliation and cooperation to overcome historic divisions and foster peace.
From the legacy of his predecessor, Archbishop Anastasios, to the quiet strength of those he calls “golden souls,” his words offer a call to action: to reclaim joy, dignity, and unity in a fractured age.
The departure of Archbishop Anastasios was a great loss for the Orthodox Church in Albania”
In his reflection on the spiritual state of Albanian society, Archbishop Ioannis recognizes a growing desire for inner transformation among young people. “Many young believers are seeking spiritual leadership to navigate a world full of challenges,” he says, noting that “they are not content merely to improve their material lives but also seek a spiritual dimension.”
He pays tribute to the recent passing of two major Christian figures, calling it a profound loss: “The departure of Archbishop Anastasios was a great loss for the Orthodox Church in Albania… his role in rebuilding the Church was unparalleled.” Similarly, “Pope Francis’s passing was a great loss for the Catholic community… He contributed greatly to caring for the poor, interfaith dialogue, and the harmony among religious communities in Albania.”
Yet, the Archbishop believes their legacy remains active: “Great people do not really leave us. Their example continues to help us improve spiritually.”
At the heart of his message is a theological anthropology: “Man is a psychosomatic being… spiritual despair can lead to physical illness, and physical suffering can bring spiritual despair.” He adds, “Many spiritual changes happen silently, within each individual’s soul, but they are essential for a full life.”
Ultimately, he offers hope: “Man is also a transcendental being… he is not just vegetative, trying to survive, but a conscious being with a higher purpose. Seeing so many young people on this spiritual search gives me reason to hope.”
Not uniformity, but unity: Preserving identity in a divided world
Archbishop Ioannis reflects on his unique journey as intertwined with “the living mosaic of the Church,” leading an Autocephalous Church that is “part of a rich and symphonic harmony” where “multiplicity does not disrupt but enriches the whole.”
In a divided world, he asks if we are entering “a new era… in the journey of faith and in our Autocephalous Church.” He emphasizes Albania’s uniqueness and its people’s distinct lives: “people are not the same… each person is created with their own uniqueness.”
The Church’s goal is “not uniformity but unity,” warning of today’s “risk of spiritual uniformity” that “destroys distinct cultures” and causes “loss of human identity.” He concludes that “each person must preserve their identity… Unity, not uniformity, is what unites humanity.”
Archbishop Ioannis calls for balkan unity amid historic divisions
Archbishop Joan Pelushi acknowledges the Balkans’ troubled past, saying, “centuries-old hostility is not easily overcome” and “egoism and extreme nationalism have created great tension.” Yet, he insists, “now is the time for all Balkan peoples to cooperate.” Accepting past mistakes can accelerate reconciliation, which “would benefit the entire region.”
He warns that division leaves the Balkans “small, poor, and without great development” and urges leaders to work for “cooperation and peace.” He cautions against isolation, calling it “a great risk in an increasingly interconnected world.” He closes with hope that “God will bless and enlighten” the region toward peace and progress.
