With tears and flowers, a large crowd gathered at the border station of Kakavia to welcome the body of the late Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana, Durres, and All Albania. The band and contingent of the 8th Brigade of Ioannina rendered the prescribed honors, paying tribute to one of Orthodoxy’s most enlightened Hierarchs.
The body was received by Metropolitan Demetrios of Gjirokastër, while dozens of faithful gathered to offer their final farewell. Following the formal reception, Metropolitan Demetrios led a Trisagion service in memory of the late Archbishop, praying for the repose of his soul.
Journey Through Gjirokastër
After the ceremony at Kakavia, the body was transported to the city of Gjirokastër, where it was briefly placed for public veneration at the Metropolitan Church of the Resurrection of Christ. From there, the journey continued toward Tirana.
Metropolitan Nikolaos of Apollonia and Fieri, Bishop Anastasios of Krujë, and the priests Fr. Charalambos Gjokas and Fr. Spyridon Topantzas accompanied the body, alongside Metropolitan Ierotheos of Nafpaktos and Agios Vlasios, Vice-President of the Holy Synod, representing the Church of Greece.
Arrival in Tirana
The body of the late Archbishop is scheduled to arrive in Tirana today, January 28, 2025, at 4 p.m. local time (5 p.m. Greek time). The reception will take place at the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ, where the faithful will have the opportunity to pay their respects.
The body will lie in repose at the Cathedral throughout Tuesday night and Wednesday. The Funeral Service is set for Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 11 a.m. local time (12 p.m. Greek time), following the Divine Liturgy.
A Beloved Leader Honored
The reception in Tirana is expected to draw a significant crowd of believers paying tribute to a Hierarch who, through his enlightened leadership and profound spirituality, revitalized the Orthodox Church of Albania. Archbishop Anastasios is remembered as a beacon of love, unity, and solidarity for the Orthodox world.
