The President of the Hellenic Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, expressed her deep sorrow following the passing of Archbishop Anastasios of Albania, praising his remarkable contributions to the Orthodox Church and society. In her statement, she highlighted that the Orthodox Church has lost one of its great figures, who left behind a legacy of important work.

“It is with profound sadness that I bid farewell today to one of the most significant figures of the Orthodox Church, Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana, Durres, and All Albania. He was a leader who seamlessly combined theological reflection with tireless service, leaving behind an invaluable legacy of pastoral, social, educational, and charitable work,” the statement read.

“A prelate who stood firmly against intolerance and religious fanaticism, Archbishop Anastasios championed mutual understanding, dialogue, fraternity, and peaceful coexistence among peoples. His religious scholarship, his scientific endeavors, his missionary work in Africa, and his unwavering efforts to rebuild the Orthodox Church of Albania—despite numerous challenges—offer us an exemplary path,” the statement continued.

“His steadfast support for the Greek National Minority, as well as his commitment to the progress of Albanian society as a whole—free from religious or racial discrimination—will forever remain etched in the hearts of those he nurtured, supported, and loved. The high values that guided his journey will continue to inspire us,” she concluded.