The Archbishop of Tirana, Durres and all Albania, Anastasius (Anastas Yannoulatos), died today in Athens at the age of 95 after a long illness, Albanian media reported. He died this morning in a hospital in the Greek capital due to systemic organ failure.
In his last days, he was being treated at the Evangelismos Hospital in Athens, where he was urgently transported in early January. The hospital announced yesterday that his health condition had seriously deteriorated. It was complicated by both his chronic health problems and his advanced age.
Archbishop Anastasius was born in Piraeus, Greece, on November 4, 1929, Euronews Albania recalls. In 1992 was elected head of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania and became Archbishop of Tirana, Durres and all of Albania.
Archbishop Anastasios led the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania for more than 30 years and was internationally known for his exceptional contribution to its revival, recalls the Albanian Radio and Television.
He was committed to the renewal of churches and religious institutions in the country after the fall of the atheist regime in Albania (In 1967, communist Albania was declared the first atheist state – ed. note). Archbishop Anastas Yannoulatos led an important period for the Albanian Church, in which he implemented major projects such as the construction and restoration of hundreds of churches, the establishment of schools and youth centers, and the development of theological educational institutions.
One of his greatest achievements is the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ“ in Tirana, one of the largest Orthodox churches in Europe, which was solemnly inaugurated in 2012. During his leadership, the Albanian Orthodox Church received international recognition, contributing to peaceful coexistence and interreligious dialogue, as well as playing an important role in the rapprochement of Albania and Greece, the media outlet also notes.
During his ministry, Archbishop Anastasius was the author of 24 books and over 200 articles, touching on profound theological and historical topics, making him one of the most respected scholars in the field of interreligious dialogue. He researched a wide range of topics, including the study of African religions, Islam, globalism and the history of religious missions, and his articles and books have been translated into 17 foreign languages.
Archbishop Anastasios, known for his love and devotion to the Albanian people, will be remembered as a man who, through his sacrifice and vision, helped create a powerful and active church that plays an important role in Albanian society and beyond, adds the Albanian Radio and Television.
In addition to his intellectual contributions, Archbishop Anastasios received many international awards and distinctions, including the “Grand Cross of the Order of Honour of the Hellenic Republic“ and the “Athinagoras Prize for Human Rights“, which were expressions of respect and appreciation for his commitment to promoting human rights, coexistence and peace.
In 2017 The archbishop was awarded honorary Albanian citizenship by Albanian President Ilir Meta for his exceptional contribution to the revival of the Albanian Orthodox Church, Euronews Albania recalls.