Archbishop Anastasios, Leader of Albanian Orthodox Church, Dies at 95

The Greek-born archbishop revived Albania's Orthodox Church after decades of communist suppression, fostering interfaith harmony and rebuilding religious institutions.

• Archbishop Anastasios passed away in an Athens hospital due to multiple organ failure after being transferred from Tirana for treatment of a viral infection.
• He led the Orthodox Church of Albania for over 30 years, revitalizing it following the fall of the country's communist regime, which had banned religious practices.
• During his tenure, Anastasios oversaw the construction of over 150 new churches, the restoration of religious monuments, and the translation of liturgical texts into Albanian.
• He was an advocate for interfaith dialogue in Muslim-majority Albania, promoting peaceful coexistence and social development through charitable and educational initiatives.
• Albanian President Bajram Begaj and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis praised his legacy, highlighting his contributions to religious and cultural harmony.

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