In the packed Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ in Tirana, the episcopal ordination of Archimandrite Ignatius (Todrin) as Assistant Bishop of Amantia took place on Sunday of the Paralytic, May 3, 2026, serving alongside Archbishop John of Tirana, Durrës, and All Albania.
The ordination was performed by Archbishop Ioannis, concelebrating with the Metropolitans of Apollonia and Fier; Elbasan, Shpat and Librazhd; Gjirokastër; Berat, Vlora and Kanina; and Korçë.
In his address, the newly ordained Bishop began with the Psalm verse, “Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth; sing praises to the Lord,” expressing deep gratitude with the words of St. John Chrysostom: “Glory to God for all things.”
With humility, Bishop Ignatius spoke of accepting this sacred ministry at a young age, recalling the words of St. Dorotheos of Gaza that one who entrusts himself to God no longer worries about himself. Acknowledging that everything is a gift from God, he asked the Holy Synod, clergy, and faithful for their prayers, citing the Apostle Paul: “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17).
He made special mention of two figures who inspired him: the late Archbishop Anastasios, whom he described as “an apostle of modern times” who revived the Church of Albania, and his spiritual father, the late Metropolitan Ignatius of Berat, Vlora and Kanina, whom he praised for his humility, patience, and loving guidance.
He concluded with the words of the Prophet Isaiah: “Here am I; send me” (Isaiah 6:8).
In his response, Archbishop John emphasized that episcopal ministry requires above all humility, patience, and love, noting that Bishop Ignatius embodies these virtues through his devoted and self-sacrificial service.
The solemn ceremony concluded with the joyful acclamation “Axios” (“Worthy”) in both Albanian and Greek by clergy and faithful.
Short bio
Bishop Ignatius of Amantia was born on February 23, 1978, in Gradishtë of Divjakë. He completed his general education at the school of Fier-Seman. In 1998, he pursued studies at the Theological Academy “Resurrection of Christ” in St. Vlash, Durrës.
From 2003 to 2017, he served as a catechist and preacher in the cities and villages of the Holy Metropolis of Berat, Vlora, and Kanina. In April 2017, he responded to the call to full monastic dedication and was tonsured a monk and ordained hierodeacon by the late Metropolitan Ignatius of Berat, Vlora, and Kanina, whom he served with devotion and dedication.
He was ordained hieromonk on December 12, 2024, by Metropolitan Astios of Berat, Vlora, and Kanina. On June 1, 2025, Archbishop Ioannis conferred upon him the rank of Archimandrite.
Throughout this period, he held important positions of responsibility in the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania, serving as Chief Secretary of the Holy Synod, director of the Theological Academy “Resurrection of Christ” at the Monastery of St. Vlash, and administrator of the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ in Tirana.
In addition to his native language, he speaks English, Italian, Greek, and German.
The Holy Synod of the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania, under the presidency of Archbishop Ioannis, unanimously elected Archimandrite Ignatius (Todrin) as Assistant Bishop of the Diocese of Amantia during its session on April 28, 2026.
