Religious Leader Rebuilt Albanian Church After Communist Rule


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Archbishop Anastasios, the influential leader who rebuilt Albania’s Orthodox Church following the communist regime’s collapse in 1990, has passed away at age 95.

The Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania announced that Anastasios, who served as Archbishop of Tirana, Durres, and All Albania, died in Athens’ Evangelismos hospital due to multiple organ failure. Initially hospitalized in Tirana with a viral infection on December 30, he was later transferred to Athens as his condition worsened. Following gastrointestinal surgery on January 10, his condition remained critical until his passing.

The church praised Anastasios as the architect of its revival, noting his extraordinary three-decade service during which he constructed hundreds of churches, established various institutions, and cultivated a new generation of clergy from virtually nothing after the atheist regime’s fall.

Albania’s President Bajram Begaj mourned the loss of the country’s “spiritual leader and a distinguished personality,” while Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized Anastasios’ lasting impact on Orthodox Christianity.

Born in Greece in 1929, Anastasios arrived in Albania in 1991, following the end of the communist regime that had prohibited religious practices and seized religious properties since the mid-1940s. According to recent census data, Orthodox believers comprise approximately 7% of Albania’s 2.4 million population, though the church suggests higher numbers. The country maintains a harmonious religious diversity, with Muslims constituting about half the population, followed by Catholics, Orthodox believers, and others.

After assuming leadership of the Orthodox Church in 1992, Anastasios spearheaded an impressive revival. His achievements included reorganizing over 400 parishes, building 150 new churches, restoring 60 religious structures, and reconstructing 230 ecclesiastical buildings. He trained 168 clergy members and established youth centers throughout Albania.

His contributions extended beyond religious infrastructure. Under his guidance, the church developed three hydropower projects to support its various initiatives. He also oversaw the translation and publication of religious texts into Albanian.

Anastasios’ academic background included studies at the University of Athens, where he later became a professor and dean, and German universities. His scholarly work encompassed 24 books and over 200 articles on theological subjects, translated into numerous languages. He was also active in international religious organizations, including the World Council of Churches.

The religious landscape in Albania continues to evolve, with various faiths still working to reclaim properties confiscated during the communist era.

 

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