By Fr. Elias Makos
On Saturday, March 29, 2025, the enthronement of the newly elected Archbishop Ioannis of Albania will take place at the “Resurrection of Christ” Cathedral in Tirana.
Archbishop Ioannis becomes the second Archbishop of the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania since the fall of the communist regime, and notably, the first Albanian national to hold the office since 1967, when religion was banned under Enver Hoxha’s dictatorship.
It is expected that Archbishop Ioannis will continue the legacy of his predecessor, the late Archbishop Anastasios, though in his own unique way, as no two spiritual leaders are alike. Not only is he considered a spiritual child and close associate of the late Archbishop, but he also inherits a Church that, though small in size, has gained international respect thanks to the foundational work of Anastasios in rebuilding and revitalizing ecclesiastical structures after decades of persecution.
That said, Archbishop Ioannis may chart his own course on certain matters, especially when it comes to adapting to emerging pastoral and societal needs, as he now bears the full responsibility of leadership.
One of the major issues facing the new Archbishop will be the ongoing legal and moral battle over Church property, much of which has yet to be restored to the Orthodox Church, despite favorable court rulings.
In terms of inter-Christian relations, it is anticipated that good cooperation with other Churches will continue, while constructive and respectful disagreement may also be expressed when necessary to improve mutual understanding and collaboration.
The spirit and legacy of Archbishop Anastasios, who inherited a Church in ruins and transformed it into a vibrant and respected institution, will undoubtedly remain present and influential. However, Archbishop Ioannis now has the opportunity to leave his own mark, building upon that legacy with vision and pastoral sensitivity.
Current indications suggest that Albania’s political leadership is supportive of the new Archbishop—partly due to his Albanian heritage and partly due to his perceived ability to foster peaceful coexistence and cooperation among the country’s religious communities.
It is expected that Archbishop Ioannis will lead the Church in a spirit of Resurrection, a concept he has embraced not just theologically, but existentially, having witnessed firsthand its impact through the life and ministry of his predecessor.
The Resurrection is not merely a doctrine—it is the overcoming of despair, the affirmation of human dignity, the triumph of hope. It connects the present with the future, transforming darkness into light and despair into purpose. For Archbishop Ioannis, the Resurrection is not an abstract idea—it is a living, transformative reality.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
