The election of the new Archbishop of Tirana and All Albania is taking place today.
The successor to the late Archbishop Anastasios, who led the Church for over 30 years, will be chosen by the Holy Synod of the Church of Albania.
The selection process will occur at the Synodal Center after the Divine Liturgy, following the regulations of the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania.
The Holy Synod will vote to elect the next Archbishop from the following candidates: Metropolitan Ioannis of Korça (currently serving as locum tenens), Metropolitan Astios of Berat, Metropolitan Nikolaos of Apollonia, Metropolitan Antonios of Elbasan, Metropolitan Dimitrios of Gjirokastra, Metropolitan Nathaniel of Amantia, and Bishop Anastasios of Kruja.
According to the Church of Albania’s official website, the statutes dictate the election process for the new Archbishop:
The appointment of Hierarchs (Archbishop, Metropolitans, and Bishops) within the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania is carried out by the Holy Synod in compliance with the Holy Canons.
The Clergy-Laity Ecclesiastical Council puts forth candidates for episcopal ordination, with the Holy Synod making the final selection.
Candidates for bishopric must meet the criteria outlined in the Church’s Canons, hold a degree from the Theological Academy “Resurrection” or another Orthodox theological institution at the university level, and have resided and worked in Albania for a minimum of three years.
Furthermore, Bishops of the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania must possess Albanian citizenship. Exceptions may be granted in special circumstances, subject to approval by both the Clergy-Laity Ecclesiastical Council and the Holy Synod.
The consecration of Hierarchs in the Church of Albania necessitates the participation of at least three Bishops. If there are insufficient surviving Bishops to meet the canonical requirements, assistance may be sought from the Ecumenical Patriarchate.