The Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church, Daniel, congratulated on Sunday the elected Archbishop of Albania, Joan, wishing him „many spiritual achievements” in the new mission entrusted to him.

„With great joy in Christ, we wish to congratulate you on the occasion of the election of Your Eminence to the dignity of Archbishop of Tirana, Durres and All Albania. At the same time, we pray to our Lord Jesus Christ to grant you many spiritual achievements in the new mission entrusted to you. On behalf of the members of the Holy Synod, the clergy and the faithful of the Romanian Orthodox Church, we wish Your Eminence many and blessed years in serving the Orthodox people of Albania and help from God in all your activities,” Patriarch Daniel’s message reads.

The new Archbishop of Albania was elected after His Beatitude Anastasios died on January 25, at the age of 95, in an Athens hospital, following complications from a virus. Of Greek nationality, this important figure of the Orthodox clergy was the head of the Orthodox Church of Tirana, Durres and All Albania for over 30 years.

AGERPRES