The influential Archbishop Anastasios, known for revitalizing the Orthodox Church in Albania, has died at 95. He passed away in Athens after a brief illness, causing widespread mourning across religious communities.

Archbishop Anastasios passed away on a Saturday in Athens, Greece, following hospitalization for a seasonal virus, the Christian Post reported.

Doctors admitted Anastasios to a hospital in Athens earlier this month after he experienced complications from a seasonal virus. Before his health deteriorated, he actively led religious communities and engaged in both local and international ecclesiastical affairs.

Anastasios, born in 1929 in Piraeus, Greece, built a long and distinguished career in theology and religious leadership. He began his journey in his home country and soon gained international prominence.

Reviving the Albanian Orthodox Church

After communism ended in 1992, Anastasios became the head of the Albanian Orthodox Church. With the church newly relegalized, he played a key role in its revival and led efforts to reopen approximately 400 parishes.

During his tenure, he expanded the number of active religious sites and significantly increased the church’s involvement in charitable activities. His efforts helped reestablish the church as a central and benevolent institution in Albanian society.

Considering the church's suppression under the former communist regime, Anastasios achieved a remarkable feat. His work proved crucial in restoring and strengthening the Orthodox faith in Albania.

Global Ecumenical Efforts and Recognition

Anastasios's contributions extended far beyond Albania. He participated in ecumenical movements starting with the 1961 World Conference on Mission and Evangelism in Mexico City. His commitment to religious unity earned him respect from numerous spiritual and secular leaders worldwide.

In 2022, as he marked his 30th anniversary as the head of the Albanian Orthodox Church, Ioan Sauca, Acting General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, lauded him. Sauca praised Anastasios for his decades of service and highlighted his role in leading the church "from darkness to the light of Christ."

Albanian President Bajram Begaj expressed his condolences and recognized Archbishop Anastasios’s "dedication and love for the people," which played a significant role in strengthening and renewing the Orthodox faith in Albania.

Health Challenges and High-Profile Visits

Archbishop Anastasios's health had concerned many for a while before his passing. Doctors hospitalized him in December after a viral infection, and prior to that, they treated him for COVID-19 in November 2020.

Earlier in the month, doctors transferred him from Tirana to Evangelismos Hospital in Athens. This move attracted the attention of high-ranking officials and religious leaders, including Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece, and Kyriakos Pierrakakis, Greece’s minister of education and religious affairs. Sokratis Famellos, the leader of the Greek left-wing political party Syriza, also visited to offer support for the Archbishop and the medical team caring for him.

Famellos emphasized that their visit had a dual purpose: to "receive updates on the Archbishop’s health, express our love, and share our hope for his recovery." These visits highlighted the high regard in which Archbishop Anastasios was held and his broad influence on religious and public life in the region.

Legacy of Archbishop Anastasios

Archbishop Anastasios's death marks the end of an era for the Orthodox Church in Albania. His life's work shaped the country's spiritual landscape, and his impact on ecumenical discourse will likely continue.

Through his efforts, Anastasios refurbished a suppressed religious institution and fostered a renewed sense of community and philanthropy. He leaves behind a legacy of revival, hope, and unity, embodying the transformative power of faith and dedication.

The Orthodox community, both in Albania and globally, mourns the loss of a pivotal figure who healed divisions and promoted faith. His contributions will continue to guide future generations.