The Albanian Orthodox Church celebrated the enthronement of its new primate on Saturday, March 29, at the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ in Tirana. His Eminence John (Pelushi) of Korçë was elected Archbishop of the Albanian Church on March 16, following the repose of His Beatitude Archbishop Anastasios (Yannoulatos) in late January. He was a close associate of his predecessor for many years, helping him rebuild the Albanian Church from ruin after decades of atheist persecution.

The service began with the entrance of the new Archbishop into the cathedral in the presence of representatives from all Orthodox Churches, diplomatic missions, religious leaders, government officials, and a multitude of faithful. The Orthodox Church in America was represented by His Grace Bishop Nikodhim of Boston and the Albanian Archdiocese. Then, the encyclical of the Holy Synod was read out, announcing the proclamation of the new Archbishop, followed by the prescribed service and addresses.

In his enthronement speech, Abp. John expressed his deep gratitude to God and to all who contributed to the journey of the Church of Albania. He emphasized: "We thank and honor the martyrs of Illyria, who spread the light of faith in the regions where we live with their blood and their lives; the saints who maintained the light of faith through the centuries; the new martyrs who, in a most adverse time for our Church and country, gave their lives to preserve their faith, national identity, and language." He made special mention of his predecessors, particularly Theophanes Noli and Archbishop Anastasios, about whom he stated that “he not only managed to accomplish the reconstruction of its walls and physical infrastructure, but his main effort was to have a Church where God is worshipped ‘in spirit and truth.’”

Abp. John set seven basic principles for his new ministry: preserving Sacred Tradition, strengthening unity within the Church, balancing the “Gospel of the Kingdom” and the “Social Gospel,” protecting the values of marriage and family, maintaining and enhancing religious coexistence in Albania, encouraging young people to love their homeland and not abandon it, and cultivating relationships with all other Churches and religious communities. “Personally, I will try with all my strength to serve the flock entrusted to me by God, always keeping in mind the words of the Lord that the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve,” concluded His Beatitude.

After the enthronement ceremony, an official luncheon was served. (Quelle: www.orthochristian.com, 31. März 2025)