The Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church of Albania has elected Metropolitan Ioannis of Korçë as the new Archbishop of Tirana, Durrës, and All Albania, succeeding the late Archbishop Anastasios, who passed away on January 25. The decision was made following a Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of the Resurrection of the Lord in Tirana.
Ioannis, born Fatmir Pelushi in 1956, has served as Metropolitan of Korçë since 1998. His election follows his tenure as locum tenens of the Archiepiscopal Throne. In his first address, he pledged to uphold the Church’s traditions and defend its rights with devotion, seeking divine guidance for his new role.
Church bells rang joyfully across Albania to mark the occasion. The enthronement ceremony is scheduled for March 29.