Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine expressed his deep sadness at the passing of Archbishop Anastasios of Albania in an official statement.
“Archbishop Anastasios’ life was a testament to his unwavering dedication to God and his service to humanity,” Metropolitan Epifaniy said. “He was a highly respected hierarch and missionary on a global scale, devoted to revitalizing the ecclesiastical life of the Church of Albania, which emerged from decades of atheistic persecution like a phoenix from the ashes.”
The Metropolitan praised Archbishop Anastasios’ tireless work to revive the Church and his commitment to sharing the Word of God with his followers. “His legacy and teachings will always be remembered by those he guided. Though his physical heart has stopped beating, his prayers and memory will continue to live on in the Church.”
On behalf of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, Metropolitan Epifaniy offered his sincere condolences to the bishops, clergy, and believers of the Orthodox Church of Albania, as well as to all who knew and admired His Beatitude.
“We pray and believe that Archbishop Anastasios’ soul will find eternal peace in our Heavenly Father’s home. May the Lord provide comfort to those mourning this great loss, reminding them of His promise: ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.’ (John 11:25).”