The Holy Synod of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania held an extraordinary meeting on January 25, 2025, at 11:30 a.m., to address the passing of Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana, Durrës, and All Albania. The Synod bid farewell to their beloved spiritual leader with deep sorrow, acknowledging his significant contributions to the Church and the Orthodox community in Albania.
During the meeting, the following decisions were made:
- Election of Locum Tenens: Metropolitan Ioannis of Korçë was unanimously chosen as the Locum Tenens of the Archdiocesan Throne.
- Proclamation of Mourning: A five-day mourning period was announced, from January 25 to January 29, 2025, in memory of the late Archbishop.
- Reception of the Body: Archbishop Anastasios’ body will be received at the Cathedral of the “Resurrection of Christ” in Tirana on Tuesday, January 28, at 4:00 p.m. Tributes will be paid that afternoon and throughout the following day, Wednesday, January 29.
- Funeral Service: The funeral service is set for Thursday, January 30, at 11:00 a.m., following the Divine Liturgy.
At the end of the meeting, the Synod conducted a memorial service, offering prayers for the soul of Archbishop Anastasios. They also urged the faithful to join in prayer for their beloved Shepherd, whose steadfast commitment had a profound impact on the spiritual life of the Orthodox Church in Albania.