The International Scientific Conference dedicated to the memory of the late Archbishop Anastasios of Albania concluded with great success in Tirana, marking one year since his repose. The conference was organized by the Department of Theology and Culture of the University College “Logos” in Tirana and brought together distinguished theologians from Albania, Greece, and other countries.
Through the welcoming addresses, in-depth presentations, and a video screening, it was clearly highlighted that Archbishop Anastasios was an exceptionally gifted person, endowed with indomitable inner strength, a powerful personality, and a truly visionary outlook. As a charismatic hierarch, he bore “the seal of the Lord’s gift,” which explains the remarkable work he accomplished in Albania.
Numerous speakers, including clergy, academics, and bishops from various countries, focused in their interventions primarily on the spiritual and missionary dimension of Archbishop Anastasios’ luminous personality. The presentations explored a wide range of themes, such as the characteristics of his charismatic theological approach, the New Testament foundations of his missionary work and ministry, the theological basis of inter-Christian and interreligious dialogue in his life, his enthronement address as a fulfilled vision, the social message of the Orthodox Church as articulated by him, and the revival of the Autocephalous Church of Albania from the ruins.
The distinguished speakers and the topics addressed demonstrated that Archbishop Anastasios’ humility, his love for Christ and for humanity, his profound knowledge of Christianity and the Orthodox patristic tradition, his devotion to duty, his scholarly depth, and his faithfulness to the Lord’s command, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations,” constitute the core of his spiritual and pastoral success.
It became evident in the clearest terms that the life of Archbishop Anastasios was a journey of offering, sacrifice, and deep Christian ethos. His multifaceted work—spiritual, social, philanthropic, sanctifying, scholarly, and religious—remains timelessly worthy of the highest admiration. For this reason, he can justly be counted among the life-giving company of the modern Fathers of Orthodoxy.
Fr. Ilias Makos
