They characterize him as an example of peace and unity
There is intense interest in Albania for the development of Archbishop Anastasios' health, both among religious figures and the country's political world, who are sensitively anxious, as are the country's citizens, Orthodox and non-Orthodox, as his contribution to Albanian society is enormous.
The Deputy Prime Minister of the Albanian Government, Belinda Balluku, visited the Evangelismos Hospital in Athens and met with Bishop Anastasios of Krugia (who, together with Fr. Charalambos Giokas and Fr. Spyros Topantzas, are next to the ailing Archbishop), and was informed about the state of Anastasios' health.
Also, the leader of the main opposition In albania and former president and prime minister Of The Country, Sali berisha, wrote on social media.
“The Archbishop of Tirana, Durres and all Albania is in the hospital, in critical condition. I invite you to join our prayer with all the Orthodox faithful and all the Albanian faithful, for the health and healing of this merciful servant of God, who with divine love and devotion did so much for our country.”
Even the former prime minister Of Albania Pandeli Majko Simply notes: "I Pray for the health of Anastasiades."
And MP Niko Peleshi (Nikos Peleshis, former deputy prime minister) emphasizes: “Let us pray for the health of Archbishop Anastasios with gratitude for his invaluable contribution to the revival of the Albanian Orthodox Church.”
Moreover, in its message, the Interreligious Council of Albania, of which His Beatitude was president for 2024 (annual term), emphasizes that "his contribution and inspiration for interreligious cooperation and understanding are a lesson and guide for all of us."
Specifically, the message states:
“The Presidency of The Interreligious council Of albania is monitoring with attention and concern the progress of The Health of archbishop anastasios, who has been facing a serious health problem for several days.
We, the members of the Presidency Council, the President of KNFSH Gjergj Meta, the members of the Board of Directors H. Bujar Spahiu, President of KNFSH 2023, Edmond Brahimaj, President of KNFSH 2021 and Pastor Ergest Biti, with reverence and deep prayers turn to God for the speedy recovery of Archbishop Anastasios, co-founder of KNFSH in 2007, President of the Interreligious Council of Albania in 2018-2019 and 2024 and currently a member of the Presidency Board.
We pray with faith and humility, that God will grant him full health and strength to continue his mission for peace, harmony and interfaith dialogue. His contribution and inspiration for interfaith cooperation and understanding are a lesson and guide for us all.
Lord, we pray that you will support him with every blessing and grant him many more years of blessed service, full of peace and spiritual strength, thus setting an example of peace and unity in our society."
Archbishop Anastasios conveyed and consolidated in Albania the message that the walls of discrimination are not needed, that is why they must be torn down, and in their place love must rise. With his attitude to life he proved that all people are equal, regardless of their origin, language and religion. The rich are not singled out and the poor are not pushed aside.
All together, this is the pursuit of Anastasios, we direct our gaze and attention towards heaven and proclaim with our words and actions the beautiful reality, the one and only family of God.
father Elias Makos
