In a heartfelt message, Patriarch Ilia II of Georgia extended warm congratulations to Archbishop Ioannis on the occasion of his enthronement as the new Primate of the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania.
Writing on behalf of the Orthodox Church of Georgia and in his personal capacity, Patriarch Ilia praised the long and martyric history of the Albanian Church, noting that “Christianity spread to Albania from the earliest centuries, and the first large Christian communities appeared in the 3rd century.”
He acknowledged the legacy of the late Archbishop Anastasios and emphasized the challenges that remain: “Even now, when you have ascended this throne… there still is much to be done; but the Lord, who willed to entrust you with this responsibility, will help you in the bearing of this Cross.”
The Georgian Patriarch expressed his deep respect for the Church of Albania and the Albanian people, extending blessings for the new Archbishop’s leadership: “May God support you in the carrying out of your ministry as marked with peace, love and wisdom in our difficult times.” He concluded his message by praying for “further advancement and revival” of the Holy Church of Albania.
Read the full message:
On behalf of the Orthodox Church of Georgia and, personally, on my behalf, I once again extend my wholehearted congratulations on your appointment as the foremost hierarch of the Church of Albania.
As is well known, Christianity spread to Albania from the earliest centuries, and the first large Christian communities appeared in the 3rd century. Since that very period, the Church of Albania has been in a state of martyrdom, and even now, when you have ascended this throne, having succeeded His Beatitude Anastasios, there still is much to be done; but the Lord, who willed to entrust you with this responsibility, will help you in the bearing of this Cross and give you the strength to take further successful steps.
We deeply honor your Church, the entire Albanian people and congratulate you with love on the day of your Enthronement.
May God support you in the carrying out of your ministry as marked with peace, love and wisdom in our difficult times.
May God bless Albania and may He grant the Holy Church of Albania further advancement and revival.
