Photo: Nikos Papachristou
By Ioannis Lótsios, Ph.D.,
Post Doc.
This article examines the peaceful visit of Archbishop John of Albania to
the Ecumenical Patriarchate (June 13–15, 2025) as a landmark ecclesiological
and theological event.
It analyzes the key addresses delivered by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and
Archbishop John, emphasizing themes of Orthodox unity, canonical order,
spiritual resilience under communist persecution, and the decisive role of the
Mother Church in the post-totalitarian reconstruction of the Albanian Orthodox
Church. Focus is given to the legacy of the late Archbishop Anastasios and the
significance of the 1937 Autocephaly. Through liturgical and patristic
language, the article reflects on the relationship between ecclesial identity,
historical memory, and the Holy Spirit's guidance in preserving the apostolic
faith.