Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew visited the Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos in Bischwiller on Saturday, January 25, 2025. During the visit, he paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Archbishop Anastasios of Albania. In his homily delivered during a Trisagion service for the repose of Archbishop Anastasios, the Patriarch emphasized the remarkable life and ministry of the departed hierarch.
Describing Archbishop Anastasios as “a great personality of our Orthodox Church,” the Ecumenical Patriarch highlighted his significant contributions in mission work, academia, and ecclesiastical leadership. He commended the late Archbishop for his missionary efforts in Africa, academic endeavors in Athens, and his role in revitalizing the Church of Albania after the collapse of the atheist regime.
Reflecting on the challenges Archbishop Anastasios faced in the early years of rebuilding the Church in Albania, Patriarch Bartholomew recalled the hardships and the Archbishop’s perseverance in ordaining clergy, establishing educational institutions, and setting up charitable organizations.
The Ecumenical Patriarch also expressed gratitude towards institutions, foundations, and individuals who supported Archbishop Anastasios’s vision and dedication throughout his ministry.
In conclusion, Patriarch Bartholomew acknowledged the Archbishop’s passing, stating, “Now is the time for the Lord to call him to Him, to give him rest from the many labors of his life and ministry. May his memory be eternal, and may we have his blessing.”
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas