{"id":2697,"date":"2025-01-27T06:41:15","date_gmt":"2025-01-27T06:41:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/in-greece.com\/index.php\/2025\/01\/27\/farewell-to-the-late-archbishop-as-his-journey-to-albania-begins\/"},"modified":"2025-01-27T06:41:15","modified_gmt":"2025-01-27T06:41:15","slug":"farewell-to-the-late-archbishop-as-his-journey-to-albania-begins","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/in-greece.com\/index.php\/2025\/01\/27\/farewell-to-the-late-archbishop-as-his-journey-to-albania-begins\/","title":{"rendered":"Farewell To The Late Archbishop As His Journey To Albania Begins"},"content":{"rendered":"


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The late Archbishop Anastasios of Albania began his final journey today as his relic departed from the Cathedral of Athens at 10:00 a.m., accompanied by the solemn sounds of the Greek Navy band.<\/h3>\n

A crowd of faithful gathered to bid farewell to the beloved hierarch, who played a pivotal role in reviving the Church of Albania after decades of persecution.<\/p>\n

The relic will travel to Albania by road on Tuesday, January 28, passing through the Kakavia border station, where an honorary procession is planned.<\/p>\n

High-Ranking Clergy Accompany the Archbishop<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The late Archbishop will be escorted by Metropolitan Nicholas of Apollonia and Fieri, Bishop Anastasios of Krougias, and two of his closest collaborators, Fr. Charalambos Giocas and Fr. Spyridon Topantzas. Representing the Church of Greece, Vice President of the Holy Synod Metropolitan Ierotheos of Nafpaktos and Agios Vlasios will also accompany the relic.<\/p>\n

Thousands Pay Their Respects in Athens<\/strong><\/h3>\n

On Sunday, January 26, thousands of mourners lined up at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens to light candles and pay homage. Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens led a Trisagion prayer for the repose of Archbishop Anastasios\u2019 soul, celebrating his remarkable legacy in the Orthodox Church and Albanian society.<\/p>\n

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Prominent Greek political leaders, including President Katerina Sakellaropoulou, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and Parliament Speaker Nikitas Kaklamanis, joined the faithful to honor the late Archbishop. Also in attendance were spiritual admirers, such as MEP Fredis Beleris and Olympic gold medalist Pyrros Dimas, who announced plans to travel to Albania for the funeral.<\/p>\n

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Final Farewell in Tirana<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The late Archbishop will lie in state for public veneration at the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ in Tirana starting Tuesday. The funeral service and burial are scheduled for Thursday, January 30, under the Holy Step of the Cathedral. The funeral Mass will commence at 11:00 a.m. local time (12:00 p.m. Greek time).<\/p>\n

Five Days of Mourning in Albania<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Church of Albania declared a five-day mourning period from January 25 to 29, 2025, in honor of Archbishop Anastasios. His passing on Saturday, January 25, at 8:30 a.m., followed his hospitalisation at Evangelismos Hospital in Athens.<\/p>\n

In an extraordinary session, the Holy Synod of the Church of Albania appointed Metropolitan John of Kor\u00e7a as the Supervisor of the Archdiocesan Throne. The Synod also held a memorial prayer for the late Archbishop, urging Christians to pray for his repose.<\/p>\n

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A Legacy of Resilience and Faith<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Archbishop Anastasios, who left an indelible mark on the Orthodox Church, will be remembered for his tireless efforts to restore and strengthen the Church of Albania during a time of great adversity. His funeral will be an occasion to honor a spiritual leader whose life\u2019s work transcended borders and inspired generations.<\/p>\n