Patriarch Kirill congratulates on election of new Primate of Albanian Orthodox Church

His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia congratulated His Beatitude Archbishop John of Tirana, Dure and All Albania on his election as Primate of the Albanian Orthodox Church. The Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church assured His Beatitude Archbishop John of his prayerful support, recalling the complexity and height of the high priestly ministry. This is reported by the ROC DECR Communication Service.

“I cordially congratulate you on your election as Primate of the Most Holy Albanian Orthodox Church! The All-Blessed Providence of God, through the conciliar will of your fellow bishops, has placed you at the helm of the Martyr Church, making you the successor of His Beatitude Archbishop Anastasios. This high and responsible ministry is associated with tireless care for church unity, zealous defense of the purity of faith and the canonical foundations of the Church, which in this difficult time requires special wisdom and considerable courage. Praying diligently for you, I sincerely wish that the grace of the Holy Spirit may always strengthen your mental and bodily strength, so that through your work the word of the Lord may be spread and glorified (1 Thess. 3. 1). May Your Primate’s ministry in the ancient land of Albania be blessed and peaceful! May the Great Bishop, our Lord Jesus Christ, multiply the pious flock entrusted to you, granting the faithful children of God eternal salvation through the power of unceasing life (Heb. 7. 16)!”, – the greeting reads.

Earlier, the newly elected Primate of the Albanian Orthodox Church, His Beatitude Archbishop John, after being elected to office, addressed the clergy and faithful with a short speech. The First Hierarch assured those present that he would honor the Holy Tradition and defend the rights of the Church.