Archbishop John of Albania called for strengthening conciliarity within Orthodoxy

Archbishop John of Tirana, Durrës, and All Albania participated in an international academic conference organized by the Patriarchate in France and dedicated to the tenth anniversary of the Council of Crete. According to the Orthodoxia News Agency, in his address, the Primate of the Albanian Orthodox Church emphasized the historical significance of the 2016 Council as a symbol of the Church’s unity.

His Eminence John noted that conciliarity is a fundamental element of the life of the Church as the Body of Christ. In his words, the experience of preparing for and holding the Council in Crete demonstrated the importance of fraternal cooperation and overcoming nationalistic tendencies that can undermine inter-church communion. The Archbishop emphasized: “Our unity finds its practical expression in how we listen to one another, how we speak, and in our willingness to support one another.”

In his report, the archbishop paid particular attention to the need for further development of conciliar processes. He expressed hope that in the future, pan-Orthodox conciliar work would become more regular. According to the Primate of the Albanian Church, the study and reflection on the texts adopted at the Council should form the basis for pastoral ministry and serve as a response to the contemporary challenges facing society.

In concluding his address, Archbishop John expressed his gratitude to Patriarch Bartholomew for his efforts in convening the Council in Crete and organizing the commemorative conference, emphasizing that the Albanian Church gratefully remembers the contribution of its representatives, including the late Archbishop Anastasius, to the common cause of Orthodoxy.