With profound sorrow, the President of the Hellenic Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, bids farewell to the late Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana, Durres, and All Albania, describing him as one of the great figures of the Orthodox Church. She highlighted his opposition to intolerance and religious fanaticism, emphasizing his dedication to mutual understanding, dialogue, fraternity, and the peaceful coexistence of peoples.
In her statement, President Sakellaropoulou remarked:
“With deep sadness, I bid farewell today to one of the great figures of the Orthodox Church, Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana, Durres, and All Albania. A towering personality who combined theological thought with tireless service, leaving behind a remarkable pastoral, social, educational, and charitable legacy. A hierarch who stood against intolerance and religious fanaticism, striving for mutual understanding, dialogue, fraternity, and the peaceful coexistence of peoples.
His studies in comparative religion, his scholarly contributions, his missionary experience in Africa, and his relentless efforts, despite numerous challenges, to rebuild the Orthodox Church of Albania constitute an exemplary journey. His unwavering support for the Greek National Minority, as well as his concern for the progress of Albanian society as a whole—irrespective of religious or racial distinctions—has left an indelible mark on the hearts of the people he assisted, supported, and loved.
The high values that defined his path will continue to inspire and move us.”
