By Efi Efthimiou
Since the passing of the late Archbishop Anastasios of Albania, much has been said about his remarkable legacy and unparalleled contributions to the Orthodox Church and the nation he shepherded. His Funeral Service was attended by Church Primates, clergy, political leaders, and laypeople, all paying their respects to a Hierarch whose absence leaves an irreplaceable void.
Yet, amid the mourning, a question has begun to emerge: Who will succeed him?
Even in the early days of mourning, the name of Metropolitan Ioannis of Korçë was quietly mentioned in discussions about the future leadership of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania. Metropolitan Ioannis is widely regarded as a spiritual son of Archbishop Anastasios, having stood by his side for three decades.
Archbishop Anastasios held unwavering trust in the Metropolitan of Korçë, frequently involving him in inter-Christian dialogues and international Church affairs. Notably, Metropolitan Ioannis was the first bishop ordained by Archbishop Anastasios, a clear indication of the late Archbishop’s faith in his capabilities.
Sources within the Church of Albania, with whom OrthodoxTimes.com has spoken, describe Metropolitan Ioannis as a highly competent hierarch with strong theological training. A graduate of the Holy Cross Theological School in Boston, he is fluent in Albanian, Greek, and English, further strengthening his ability to engage both locally and internationally.
Currently, no other candidate among the seven-member Holy Synod of the Church of Albania appears to be as strongly positioned to succeed Archbishop Anastasios.
If elected, Metropolitan Ioannis is expected to lead the Church in the same spirit and vision as his predecessor, the same sources told OrthodoxTimes.com. “He will continue the work that Anastasios began and follow the path already laid out,” they said.
While the challenge of “filling Archbishop Anastasios’ shoes” is immense, the foundations laid over three decades of tireless service provide a solid framework for the Church’s future. The responsibility now lies with his successor—whoever that may be—to build upon this legacy and honor the example set by the late Archbishop Anastasios.
