Metropolitan Dhimitrios of Gjirokastra (Albania) Enters Eternal Rest

OCP News Service – 29/06/2025

Tirana – Albania: His Grace, Metropolitan Dhimitrios of Gjirokastra, of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania, has reposed in the Lord at the age of 84. Metropolitan Dhimitrios entered eternal rest on June 28, 2025, at 8:30 p.m., at the General University Hospital of Ioannina, Greece, due to a respiratory infection and endocarditis, leading to multi-organ failure (Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania, June 28, 2025).

Born in Serres, Greece, in September 1940, Bishop Dhimitrios completed his theological studies at the “Aristotle” University of Thessaloniki. His life was marked by profound dedication to the Church, beginning with his monastic tonsure in 1974 at the historic Monastery of Saint Catherine in Mount Sinai, Egypt. There, he distinguished himself through his work in paleography and the systematization of the monastery’s renowned collection of ancient manuscripts (Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania, June 28, 2025).

Metropolitan Dhimitrios joined the missionary efforts of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania from its earliest steps, immediately following the arrival of Archbishop Anastasios in August 1991. From autumn 1994, he served as Protosingjel of the Metropolis of Gjirokastra.

His election to the Metropolis of Gjirokastra occurred on November 11, 2006, by the Holy Synod of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania, subsequent to the General Clerical-Laity Assembly that approved the Church’s Statute. He was consecrated bishop on November 16, 2006, at the Church of the Annunciation of the Theotokos in Tirana, with his enthronement ceremony held on November 26, 2006, at the Holy Church of the Archangels in Gjirokastra (Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania, June 28, 2025).

For 19 years, during his ministry as metropolitan, His Grace made significant contributions to the revival of the Orthodox Church in Southern Albania. He was known for his tireless zeal and great love, spiritually guiding his flock, overseeing the construction of new churches, fostering catechism and philanthropic activities, and strengthening the spiritual life of the faithful. His deep knowledge of Orthodox Tradition and biblical formation made him a reliable support for his eparchy. He also dedicated many years as Vice-President of the “Spirit of Love” Educational Foundation, founded by Archbishop Anastasios, substantially contributing to Orthodox education (Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania, June 28, 2025).

A service of repose (trisaia) was held in the chapel of the Holy Archbishopric of Tirana for the repose of his soul.

The funeral service for Metropolitan Dhimitrios will take place at the “Resurrection of Christ” Cathedral in Gjirokastra on July 1, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. (Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania, June 28, 2025).

Source:

OCP News Service