Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia has expressed his heartfelt condolences to the Holy Synod of the Albanian Orthodox Church following the passing of Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana, Durrës, and All Albania, who departed this life on Saturday.
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| From the left: Patriarch Kirill and Vladimir Putin |
In his message, Patriarch Kirill conveyed sympathies on behalf of the Russian Orthodox Church as well as his personal condolences. Highlighting their long-standing fraternal relationship, he described the loss of Archbishop Anastasios as deeply personal. Patriarch Kirill praised the late Archbishop as one of Orthodoxy’s most distinguished leaders, a defender of ecclesiastical traditions, and a preserver of the teachings of the Church Fathers.
Full Message from Patriarch Kirill:
"With profound sorrow, I received the news of the passing of Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana and All Albania. On behalf of the clergy and faithful of the Russian Orthodox Church, as well as in my personal name, I extend my sincerest condolences.
The Lord granted Archbishop Anastasios a long life, which he devoted wholeheartedly to laboring in Christ's vineyard from his youth. Answering the Savior’s call to preach the Word of God to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8), he began his missionary journey as a layman. His service on the African continent revealed him as a fervent preacher, shepherd, and builder of church life.
Archbishop Anastasios will be remembered as a great leader who upheld the traditions of Orthodoxy and the teachings of the Church Fathers with devotion and wisdom. May his memory be eternal, and may the Lord grant him rest in His heavenly Kingdom."
Archbishop Anastasios, a prominent figure in global Orthodoxy, was known for his missionary work and the revival of the Albanian Orthodox Church after decades of religious suppression. His leadership and vision earned him immense respect across the Christian world. The Russian Orthodox Church joins the Albanian faithful in mourning his passing and honoring his remarkable legacy.