By Fr. Elias Makos
Divine Liturgies are being celebrated across Albania, with clergy and laity united in prayer for the health of Archbishop Anastasios of Albania.
At the Church of the Annunciation in Tirana, the Orthodox community gathered to pray for the speedy recovery of Archbishop Anastasios. The Divine Liturgy was officiated by Metropolitan Nathanael of Amantia, accompanied by clergy from the Archdiocese.
Additionally, on Friday, January 10, students and teachers from the schools of the “Breath of Love” Foundation gathered at the Church of the Annunciation for a united prayer.
As is well known, the Archbishop’s health is at a critical stage. His condition deteriorated rapidly, requiring intubation and emergency surgery to address a bleeding episode.
Given his advanced age of 96, doctors are making every effort to stabilize and restore his health.
Initially diagnosed with a seasonal viral infection, Archbishop Anastasios was hospitalized on December 30 at the Hygeia Hospital in Tirana, where his condition worsened with the development of an infection and gastrorrhagia.
It was therefore deemed necessary to transfer him on January 3 via air ambulance to Evangelismos Hospital in Athens, where initial efforts to treat the gastrorrhagia with medication were made. However, surgery and subsequent hospitalization in the ICU became inevitable.
Throughout his many years of missionary work, Archbishop Anastasios has consistently transcended the ordinary and ventured into the seemingly impossible, allowing the values and life of the spirit to illuminate his path. In doing so, he has harvested and generously offered the fruits of his labor for the benefit of others. He never succumbs to the fleeting pursuits born of the flesh and decay.
Instead, he uplifts and inspires people with high ideals, finding joy and honor in serving the holy will of God.
Letters from Orthodox Primates
The health of Archbishop Anastasios is a matter of concern for the entire Orthodox world and beyond, as he is a figure of international renown.
Primates of the Orthodox Church have sent letters expressing their heartfelt concern and assuring him of their prayers.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew wrote in his letter to Archbishop Anastasios:
“In these trying circumstances, we greet you with brotherly love and pray for your swift and complete recovery, so that you may continue your beloved works for God, praising and thanking the One who ‘heals all our diseases’ (Psalm 102:3).”
In his letter, Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem writes:
“We pray to our Savior Jesus Christ, who was born in a cave and placed in a manger, to grant you a swift recovery and full restoration of health, so that you may continue, with unwavering strength…”
Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria, in his message, states:
“We address you, who have always been a preacher of repentance and salvation, a tireless evangelist of the Word of God, and a living canonical conscience of the Church.”
Patriarch Daniel of Romania writes, among other things:
“In these times of trial, we turn our thoughts to Your Beatitude and pray to the Lord Jesus Christ, the Physician of our souls and bodies, to assist the doctors caring for you, to relieve your pain, and to restore your health.”
