The ordination of Archimandrite Anastasios (Mamaj) as the Bishop of Kruja took place on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at the packed Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ in Tirana. The solemn event was presided over by His Beatitude Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana, Durrës, and All Albania, joined by Metropolitans Ioannis of Korçë, Nikolaos of Apollonia and Fier, Antonios of Elbasan, Astios of Berat, and Nathaniel of Amantia.
In his homily, the newly ordained Bishop Anastasios expressed profound gratitude to Archbishop Anastasios for his pivotal role in the “reconstruction” of the Orthodox Church of Albania after decades of hardship. He highlighted the ordination’s meaningful timing, coinciding with the feast day of Saint Eleftherios, Bishop of Illyricum, as a reminder of freedom in Christ and the enduring strength of faith.
Bishop Anastasios also underscored the historical significance of the Diocese of Kruja, a region once home to 300 churches and a steadfast bastion of Christianity, resisting efforts to diminish Albania’s Christian population throughout history.
The ordination concluded with the resounding chants of “Axios!” in both Albanian and Greek, as clergy and faithful joyfully affirmed their support for the newly consecrated Bishop.
