European Parliament conors memory of Archbishop Anastasios of Albania
For the first time, the European Parliament hosted an event dedicated to the life and works of the late Primate of the Albanian Church.
A conference titled “The Life, Works, and Legacy of Archbishop Anastasios of Albania” was held in the European Parliament, becoming the first meeting in history of European politicians devoted to an Orthodox hierarch. This was reported by the UOJ editorial office in America.
The event in Brussels was organized by Archbishop Ioannis of Albania.
Participants included Members of the European Parliament, representatives of the diplomatic corps, and Albanian officials led by Minister Admira Xhorgi.
In his address, Archbishop Ioannis noted that the late Archbishop Anastasios’ principal achievement was not only the restoration of churches and monasteries after the persecutions of the twentieth century, but also the creation of a model of interreligious dialogue recognized in many European countries.
The hierarch emphasized that, thanks to the late primate’s activity, the Albanian Church became a support for the country’s spiritual and cultural renewal. Participants in the event acknowledged Archbishop Anastasios’ contribution to the development of religious freedom and to strengthening civic peace in Albania.
As the UOJ reported, Archbishop Anastasios reposed in the Lord on January 25, 2025. During his tenure, the Albanian Orthodox Church restored dozens of churches, dioceses, and theological educational institutions after decades of state atheism.
