Albania Mourns Archbishop Anastasios

The passing of Archbishop Anastasios of Albania has sent shockwaves throughout the Orthodox community, prompting a ceremony at the Athens Orthodox Cathedral in Greece and a high-level meeting between Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Archbishop Ieronymos.

Archbishop Anastasios, a prominent figure in the Orthodox world, will be laid to rest in Albania this Thursday. His funeral is expected to draw dignitaries and clergy from across the region. In the aftermath of his death, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is set to meet with Archbishop Ieronymos, the head of the Greek Orthodox Church, to discuss key issues related to the late archbishop's succession and the impact of his passing on the Orthodox community.

The meeting, scheduled to take place at the Maximos Mansion, will also address pressing regional concerns, including the situation in Syria and its effects on the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch. Furthermore, the two leaders will discuss Athens' readiness to provide support to the Patriarchate, underscoring the importance of cooperation and solidarity within the Orthodox community.

In addition to regional issues, the meeting will focus on internal matters, such as church-state relations, property disputes, and tax relief for the Church's extensive real estate holdings. These discussions are expected to shed light on the complex relationships between the Greek Orthodox Church and the state, highlighting the need for cooperation and mutual understanding.

As the Orthodox community comes together to mourn the loss of Archbishop Anastasios, the upcoming meeting between Prime Minister Mitsotakis and Archbishop Ieronymos is poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of the Greek Orthodox Church and its relationships with regional partners.