By Ilias Makos
On Wednesday, January 22, 2025, the Feast Day of St. Anastasios the Persian, a Co-Liturgy was held in honor of Archbishop Anastasios of Albania on his name day. The Archbishop is currently hospitalized in critical condition at Evangelismos Hospital in Athens. The Liturgy took place at the historic Annunciation Cathedral in Tirana, with the participation of five Metropolitans from the Holy Synod of the Albanian Orthodox Church.
Presiding over the service was Metropolitan Ioannis of Korça, joined by Metropolitans Nicholas of Apollonia and Fier, Anthony of Elbasan, Asti of Berat, and Nathaniel of Amantia.
In his sermon, the Metropolitan of Korça reflected on the martyrdom of St. Anastasios the Persian and drew parallels to the witness offered by Archbishop Anastasios in the modern era. With heartfelt emotion, he conveyed the prayers and wishes of the clergy and faithful for the Archbishop’s recovery, expressing hope that he will soon return to Albania in good health.
Divine Liturgies were also celebrated in Orthodox churches across Albania, where the faithful fervently prayed for the restoration of their Shepherd’s health.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
