Archbishop Ioannis of Albania spoke on the Albanian channel Opinion and to journalist Blendi Fevziu (who presents one of the most popular political shows in Albania) about his predecessor, Archbishop Anastasios, stating that he was influenced by his example, his life, and his actions.
A collaborator of his for 33 years, he recalled their first meeting in Boston, USA, in 1992, through the mediation of his professor at Boston Theological Seminary and later Archbishop of America Demetrios Trakatellis, who was spiritually connected to his work.
Anastasios told him about his work in Albania, and a few months later Ioannis returned to Albania and was ordained a clergyman, recognizing the great efforts that Anastasios made to reestablish the Church of Albania. “His vision was to build a stable local Church,” said Archbishop Ioannis, adding: “It was a day of great joy for Anastasios on the day of my ordination as Metropolitan.”
In this interview, which was broadcast in two parts, Archbishop Ioannis of Albania also referred to his youth, the persecution of the faith during the years of communism, his flight from Albania after the fall of the regime, his work in Italy, his theological studies in America and, in general, his hierarchal career, while he also pointed out his vision for the future of the Orthodox Church of Albania, in conditions of peaceful coexistence of the religions of the country and the people.
It is true that the blessed Archbishop Anastasios influenced, in addition to the life of the current Archbishop Ioannou, the lives of many others, as with his attitude to life he urged people to make the decision to enter the arena of faith and run for love.
It would not be an exaggeration to say that Archbishop Anastasios was a "gift" from God to the suffering people of our day, where stable values are undermined and evil is emboldened.
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