EDITOR’S NOTE (Nick Stamatakis). The world is spiritually much poorer today with the passing of a great leader, AB Anastasios of Albania. As a young Athens Law School student, I was fortunate to have a mentor, Prof. Of Sociology George V. Kavadias, in whose seminars I took my first steps toward a higher graduate education. Prof. Kavadias was very close friends with Anastasios Yanoullatos as they both were superb intellectual towers – not to say anything about their family origins on the island of Cephalonia… Since then, I have been following Anastasios’ steps, even from afar, all the way to the present… In 2014, AB Anastasios came to Fordham, invited by AB Demetrios, to give a speech and receive an honorary doctorate… I had the blessing of attending (link here)…
His communications office was emailing me all the important announcements, and one particular time, 2-3 years ago, they praised Helleniscope’s work in rebuking the libels published by the TNH “theologian,” Th. Kalmoukos and others, against Anastasios, regarding the issue of “Ukrainian Autocephaly,” where Anastasios had twice chastised Pat. Bartholomew for violating the Orthodox canons… (please link here to our post of 2022).
The minuscule-in-stature (both literally and metaphorically) Bartholomew, a creature filled with contrarian attitudes, could never fathom that Anastasios, whom he sent in the worst possible environment a church could have, the post-communist Albania, would have the blessing from Christ to turn this desert into a Paradise… The difference was that Anastasios was always a profoundly faithful, supremely erudite, and skillful leader, whereas Bartholomew was a regrettable “zero” or “close to zero.” And so, in a thoroughly Christian manner, from the poorest of all countries, Albania, in an absolute miracle, the greatest of all leaders of our Faith emerged…
May he rest in peace and bestow on all of us his blessings…
=================
PHOTO: Anastasios on a visit to Cephalonia
AB Anastasios (Yannoulatos) Of Albania Reposes In the Lord
(A compilation of his biography from open sources)
Early Life and Education
Anastasios displayed an early interest in theology and the church. He pursued theological studies at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, where he earned his Bachelor of Divinity and later a Doctorate in Theology with highest honors. His academic journey extended to the Universities of Hamburg and Marburg in Germany, where he deepened his understanding of the history of religions. His scholarly pursuits laid a strong foundation for his future academic and ecclesiastical leadership endeavors.
Academic and Missionary Work
In 1972, Anastasios was appointed Professor of History of Religions at the University of Athens, a position he held until 1992. He also served as the Dean of the Theological Faculty from 1983 to 1986. His academic contributions were significant, but his passion for missionary work led him beyond the confines of the university.
Anastasios had a profound impact on Orthodox missionary activities in East Africa. He was instrumental in establishing and nurturing Orthodox communities in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. His efforts included the construction of churches, schools, and medical facilities, reflecting his holistic approach to mission work that addressed spiritual and physical needs.
Leadership of the Orthodox Church of Albania
Following the collapse of the communist regime in Albania, the country’s religious institutions were in disarray, with the Orthodox Church particularly affected due to decades of state-imposed atheism. In 1991, Anastasios was appointed Patriarchal Exarch to Albania, tasked with assessing the situation and laying the groundwork for the church’s revival.
His efforts culminated in his election as the Archbishop of Tirana, Durrës, and All Albania in June 1992. Over the ensuing years, Archbishop Anastasios spearheaded the reconstruction of the church’s infrastructure, including building new churches, monasteries, and community centers. He also established theological schools to train a new generation of clergy and lay leaders, ensuring the sustainability of the church’s mission in Albania.
Under his leadership, the Orthodox Church of Albania restored its religious activities and became a significant contributor to the country’s social development. The church initiated various educational and healthcare projects, reflecting Archbishop Anastasios’s commitment to serving the broader community.
Interfaith Dialogue and Recognition
Archbishop Anastasios was a staunch advocate for interfaith dialogue, particularly in Albania’s religious diversity, which includes significant Muslim and Catholic populations. He believed in fostering mutual respect and understanding among different religious communities, contributing to social cohesion and peace.
His contributions to theology, missionary work, and interfaith dialogue earned him numerous accolades. He was an honorary member of the Academy of Athens and received recognition from various international institutions for his efforts in promoting peace and understanding among different faiths.
Final Years and Legacy
In early December 2024, Archbishop Anastasios was admitted to a hospital in Tirana with flu symptoms. As his condition worsened, he was transferred to Evangelismos Hospital in Athens. Despite medical interventions, he passed away on January 25, 2025, at the age of 95, due to multiple organ failure.
His passing was met with mourning across Albania and the broader Orthodox Christian world. Citizens lit candles before the Orthodox Cathedral in Tirana, and the church bells tolled continuously in his honor. Albanian President Bajram Begaj highlighted Archbishop Anastasios’s dedication and love for the people, noting his significant role in strengthening the Orthodox faith in the country.
Archbishop Anastasios leaves a legacy of faith, resilience, and a profound commitment to serving others. His life’s work revitalized the Orthodox Church in Albania and set a standard for missionary zeal, interfaith dialogue, and community service that will inspire future generations.
The Lord rest his soul.
He will be much missed.
Truly a man of God.
The OC lost today a great leader and a true orthodox Christian and a defender of the canonical OC. May he rest with the saints of God and pray for all of us.
Memory eternal! Truly he will be remembered in the Lord’s Kingdom!
I did not realize that he was so elderly. He always had a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his lips that made him look much younger. We have lost a giant of our faith.
Eternal Memory holy father and intercede for us before the Lord.
a contrast between this Holy Man of God and Patr. Bartolomew:
“The situation in Ukraine – the schism, the Phanar’s actions, the persecution of the UOC, etc. – was perceived by the Primate of the Albanian Church as his own. He grieved deeply for the Ukrainian believers, prayed, and offered unwavering support.” He also called on Patr. Bartolomew for a council to judge the situation and heal the schism, but Patr. Bartolomew refused.
https://spzh.eu/en/zashhita-very/84270-the-testament-of-archbishop-anastasios-of-albania-on-ukraine
Quite on the other side of the truth, Patr. Bartolomew continues to deny his wrong doing and continues to claim that he actually fixed the problem. How delusional!
https://spzh.eu/en/news/84286-head-of-phanar-assures-meps-that-tomos-for-ocu-healed-wounds-of-centuries