Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria expressed his deep sorrow over the passing of Archbishop Anastasios of Albania, describing him as an “exceptional and radiant figure in the Orthodox Church” and a “peacemaker and advocate of reconciliation.”
In a condolence letter addressed to Metropolitan Ioannis of Korçë, the Locum Tenens of the Archiepiscopal Throne of the Orthodox Church of Albania, Patriarch Daniel highlighted Archbishop Anastasios’ “remarkable pastoral, missionary, humanitarian, academic, and ecclesiastical contributions.”
He praised the late Archbishop’s tireless efforts in revitalizing the Albanian Church, calling him a “God-inspired helmsman and caring father.” Patriarch Daniel emphasized that Archbishop Anastasios’ legacy as a “brilliant church leader and tireless shepherd” would leave an indelible mark on both the Albanian Orthodox Church and global Orthodoxy.
The Bulgarian Patriarch concluded with prayers for the repose of Archbishop Anastasios’ soul “in the land of the living” and for the appointment of a worthy successor to continue his work.
Read here the full message:
With profound sorrow, we learned of the repose in the Lord of your Primate, the late Archbishop Anastasios of blessed memory. He was an exceptional and radiant figure in the Orthodox Church, a peacemaker and advocate of reconciliation, who displayed remarkable pastoral, missionary, humanitarian, academic, and ecclesiastical contributions.
Through diligence and tireless efforts, he resurrected and revitalized your local Church, proving himself to be a God-inspired helmsman and caring father. His legacy as a brilliant church leader and tireless shepherd of the Great Shepherd, Christ, will remain indelible not only for the Orthodox Church of Albania but for all of Orthodoxy.
We fervently pray from the depths of our hearts that our Lord Jesus Christ may grant rest to the soul of our newly-reposed brother in the land of the living and count him among the saints, where he may continue to glorify God in the heavens. We also pray that the Lord raises a worthy successor for him here on earth.
With sincere condolences,
† Daniel
Patriarch of Bulgaria and
Metropolitan of Sofia
