The Archbishop of Tirana, Durrës, and All Albania, Anastas Janullatos, has passed away following a long health battle.

The Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania announced: “His Eminence, Archbishop Anastas, has fallen asleep in the Lord.”

The Archbishop passed away this morning, January 25, 2025, at 8:30 a.m., at Evangelismos Hospital in Athens. The Orthodox Church has called upon the faithful to pray for the repose of the Archbishop’s soul.

“His Eminence, Archbishop Anastas, was the architect of the rebirth and revitalization of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania, which he rebuilt entirely from the ruins left by the atheist regime. Through his divine vision and tireless dedication, he revived church life, constructed hundreds of churches, established educational and charitable institutions, and nurtured a new generation of clergy. His unwavering service and sacrifices spanned more than 33 years. May his memory be eternal,” reads the Church’s official announcement.

Archbishop Anastas Janullatos was a towering figure in the Orthodox Church and a globally respected leader, renowned for his dedication to rebuilding and revitalizing religious life in Albania after the fall of the atheist regime. His tenure marked a period of profound transformation, during which he oversaw the construction and restoration of hundreds of churches, established schools and youth centers, and developed theological education institutions.

Among his most notable achievements was the completion of the “Resurrection of Christ” Cathedral in Tirana, inaugurated in 2012. This magnificent structure, one of the largest Orthodox churches in Europe, stands as a symbol of the rebirth of the Albanian Orthodox Church under his leadership. His efforts extended beyond church reconstruction, fostering interfaith dialogue and promoting peaceful coexistence, while also playing a significant role in strengthening ties between Albania and Greece.

Internationally, Archbishop Anastas was a prominent voice for unity and peace, holding key positions in organizations such as the World Council of Churches and the Commission on World Mission and Evangelism. His contributions helped bridge divides between churches and champion interfaith understanding and collaboration.

A prolific scholar, Archbishop Anastas authored 24 books and more than 200 articles, delving into topics ranging from African religions and Islam to globalization and the history of missions. His works, translated into 17 languages, positioned him as a leading authority on theological and interfaith matters, earning widespread acclaim in academic and religious circles.

Throughout his life, Archbishop Anastas received numerous prestigious honors, including the “Grand Cross of the Order of Honour of the Republic of Greece” and the “Athenagoras Human Rights Award.” These awards reflect global recognition of his unwavering commitment to human rights, peacebuilding, and the promotion of harmonious coexistence.

Archbishop Anastas will be remembered as a visionary leader, a compassionate advocate for unity, and a guiding light for the revival of the Orthodox Church in Albania. May his legacy endure for generations to come.