These days have marked 96 years since the birth of the late Archbishop of Albania Anastasios (November 1929-November 2025).

While he was alive, he celebrated his birthday with a divine service, at the end of which he received wishes from the archpriests, clergy and faithful of the Orthodox Church of Albania, as well as from representatives of other religions, as well as from the political leadership of Albania.

This year, less than a year has passed since his death, his birthday was honored with a trisagion at his grave.

Όπως έλεγε ο ίδιος σε τέτοιες περιπτώσεις “το αδύνατο έγινε δυνατό από τον Θεό. Για μένα δεσπόζει το αίσθημα της ευγνωμοσύνης προς όλους σας για την αγάπη και την ατμόσφαιρα στοργής, που υπάρχει μέσα στην Εκκλησία μας. Νομίζω ότι δεν υπάρχει καλύτερο πράγμα ν’ αγαπάει κανείς, παρ’ όλα τα προβλήματα και τις δυσκολίες, που εμφανίζονται. Ευχαριστώ όλους, τα μέλη της Συνόδου, τους κληρικούς, τους πιστούς, για την στοργή και την δύναμη, που ο ένας προσφέρει στον άλλο. Πολύ κουράγιο και πολύ επιτυχία στην πνευματική προσπάθεια του καθενός”.

It clearly appears that God illuminated his thoughts and works throughout his life, so that he could make reality not only what he envisioned, but much more, emphasizing in an evocative way the characteristics of genuine missionary work.

He offered to souls thirsting for the Truth, in Africa and Albania, the precious mother of Orthodoxy. He brought and continues to bring the great message of redemption, giving his testimony for Christ.

He trumpeted a message of life, a teaching of peace, a trumpet call of resurrection with all the voice and strength of his soul.

With his inspired words that refreshed, with his enlightened work that supported, with his glowing heart that warmed consciences, with the example of his life that guided. His desire and pulse was for tomorrow to be better than yesterday.

His greatest power was the sacrificial offering of his love. His love was life and his life was love.