The Albanian Orthodox Church marked an important moment in its ecclesiastical life on April 28, 2026, as the Holy Synod convened under the presidency of Archbishop Ioannis of Tirana and unanimously elected Archimandrite Ignat (Todri) as Bishop of the historic see of Amantia.
According to the Church’s statutes, the newly elected bishop will also serve as a member of the Holy Synod, contributing to the governance and spiritual direction of the Church. His episcopal consecration is scheduled to take place on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ in Tirana, one of the most significant centers of Orthodox life in Albania.
Born on February 23, 1978, in Gradishtë of Divjakë, he completed his early education in the Fier-Seman region before pursuing theological studies at the “Resurrection of Christ” Theological Academy in Shën Vlash, Durrës, beginning in 1998.
For more than a decade, from 2003 to 2017, he served as a catechist and preacher across the Metropolis of Berat, Vlorë, and Kaninë. During this time, he dedicated himself to spreading the Gospel in both urban and rural communities, gaining recognition for his commitment to pastoral care and missionary outreach.
In April 2017, he embraced the monastic life, receiving the monastic tonsure and being ordained as a hierodeacon by the late Metropolitan Ignatius of Berat, Vlorë, and Kaninë, under whom he served faithfully. His ecclesiastical journey continued with his ordination to the priesthood on December 12, 2024, by Metropolitan Asti of Berat.
His elevation to the rank of Archimandrite came shortly thereafter, on June 1, 2025, when Archbishop Ioannis recognized his dedication and service to the Church. Over the years, Archimandrite Ignat has held several key positions, including Chief Secretary of the Holy Synod, head of the Theological Academy at the Monastery of St. Vlash, and administrator of the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ in Tirana.
Fluent in English, Italian, and Greek, and with reading knowledge of German, the Bishop-elect brings both spiritual depth and intellectual formation to his new role. His multilingual abilities are expected to support the Church’s engagement with the wider Orthodox world and beyond.
Source: Church of Albania
