Archbishop John of Albania praised Patriarch Bartholomew for his efforts to "strengthen the unity of the Church"

Archbishop John of Tirana, Durrës, and All Albania expressed his deep respect to Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople in honor of the 65th anniversary of his priestly ministry. According to Orthodox Times, a solemn liturgy was held on August 13, 2026, on the island of Imbros—the Patriarch’s birthplace—where exactly 65 years ago he was ordained a deacon.

In his address, Archbishop John emphasized the significance of Patriarch Bartholomew’s work “in strengthening the unity of the Church.” The head of the Albanian Orthodox Church noted the Patriarch’s historic role in preparing for and convening the Holy and Great Council in Crete, as well as his international initiatives aimed at promoting peace, reconciliation, and environmental protection.

In his remarks, he paid special attention to the support the Phanar provided to the Church of Albania following decades of state-imposed atheism and persecution. Archbishop John recalled how, at the initiative of Constantinople, the late Archbishop Anastasios was sent to the country, where he played a key role in the revival of church life. Archbishop John described his predecessor as a spiritual bridge connecting the primates of the Churches gathered on Imbros.

In conclusion, Archbishop John assured the Patriarch of the support of the entire Albanian Church, comparing this mission to the biblical figures of Aaron and Hur, who upheld the hands of the prophet Moses. ““We strive to take the place of those who work for peace, reconciliation, and the unity of the Church,” he emphasized, wishing the head of the Phanar many more years of service.

It should be recalled that earlier, the Primate of the Albanian Orthodox Church, His Beatitude Archbishop John, spoke out on the Ukrainian church issue. The First Hierarch pointed out that the creation of the OCU has divided global Orthodoxy, noting that the Synod of the Albanian Church had expressed its position on this issue and that it remains unchanged.