The Holy Synod of the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania, led by Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana, Durrës, and All Albania, met on November 14, 2024, at the headquarters of the Holy Archdiocese of Tirana. Bishop Astios of Byllis was elected as the new Metropolitan of Berat, Vlora, and Kanina by a majority vote. The enthronement ceremony is scheduled for November 21, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. at the Holy Cathedral of St. Demetrios in Berat.
Brief Biography of Metropolitan Astios
Metropolitan Astios (Bakalbasis) was born in Durrës in 1974. He completed his theological studies at the Theological-Hieratic Seminary in Durrës and the Theological School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. He has served as a deacon, archdeacon, hieromonk, archimandrite, and titular Bishop of Byllis before his current appointment as Metropolitan.
Metropolitan Astios has been actively involved in various church activities, including teaching, radio broadcasting, youth organization, and interreligious dialogue. He has represented the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania in international conferences and meetings.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas