His Beatitude Archbishop Anastasios of Albania has tested positive for the coronavirus and is being transported to Athens for treatment. The Archbishop underwent relevant testing at a medical center in Tirana, and although his symptoms are mild, the doctors advised him to seek treatment in a specialized clinic in Greece, given his advanced age and chronic health problems, reports Romfea. The Archbishop is 91. He underwent an emergency angioplasty in late June.

With the approval of Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, an aircraft of the Greek Air Force was sent to transport Abp. Anastasios to Athens for treatment. The Church of Albania’s official announcement reads: “Following the recent detection of mild coronary symptoms, it was deemed appropriate for Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana, Durres and All Albania to go to Athens (Evangelismos Hospital) for appropriate medical care.”

Abp. Anastasios is now the second Orthodox primate to be infected with the coronavirus. Last week, the Serbian Church reported that His Holiness Patriarch Irinej, 90, is receiving treatment in a Belgrade hospital after testing positive. (Quelle: www.orthochristian.com, 11. November 2020)