Athens: Archbishop Anastasios, the head of the Orthodox Church of Albania, passed away at the age of 95 on Saturday in a hospital in Athens, the church confirmed.
Anastasios was instrumental in reviving the Albanian church, an independent branch of the Eastern Orthodox Church, following his election as its leader in 1992. His leadership came after the fall of Albania’s communist regime, which had controlled the Muslim-majority country for decades.
In early December, Anastasios was admitted to a hospital in Tirana with flu symptoms, but his condition worsened, leading to his transfer to Athens for further treatment at Evangelismos Hospital.
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“His Beatitude fell asleep in the Lord today… at Evangelismos Hospital in Athens, due to multiple organ failure,” the Orthodox Church of Albania stated in a press release.
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A strong advocate for interfaith dialogue, Anastasios also served as a missionary in several African countries. He was widely recognized for his charitable efforts, particularly in supporting the poor and marginalized communities in Albania.
