Metropolitan Ioannis of Korça Elected as Archbishop of Albania

OCP News Service – 16/03/2025

Tirana – Albania: The Holy Synod of the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania has elected Metropolitan Ioannis of Korça as the new Archbishop of Tirana, Durrës, and All Albania. The election was held to appoint a successor to the late Archbishop Anastasios, who served the Church with remarkable dedication and distinction.

The selection process took place at the Synodal Center immediately following the Divine Liturgy, adhering to the Statute of the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania. After a solemn prayer, the Holy Synod, under the chairmanship of the Supervisor of the Archbishopric Throne, His Grace Metropolitan of Korça, Bishop Ioannis, unanimously elected the successor of the late Archbishop Anastasios through canonical voting.

His Grace Metropolitan of Korça, Bishop Ioannis, was officially elected as the Archbishop of Tirana, Durrës, and all of Albania, as well as the Primate of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania. Following the election, a Great Message ceremony was held at the Cathedral of the “Resurrection of Christ,” where the Holy Synod formally announced the decision, signed by all High Priests of the Church. In a joyful atmosphere, the gathered Orthodox faithful filled the cathedral and its courtyard, exclaiming “Axios” (Worthy) to honor the newly appointed Archbishop. He then read and signed the Great Message at the Holy Table, affirming his acceptance of the sacred office.

Archbishop Ioannis has been a dedicated collaborator of the late Archbishop Anastasios for 32 years, including 27 years as Metropolitan of Korça. Known for his pastoral work, he has significantly contributed to the Church’s reconstruction, theological education, and charitable initiatives. A distinguished graduate of theological studies in the USA, he returned to Albania to assist Archbishop Anastasios in reviving the Church after its period of destruction. Since 1993, he has served as a professor at the Theological Academy of Durrës, translated numerous theological texts, and authored the first Dogmatics text in the Albanian language. He also founded the magazine Tempulli, represented the Church at inter-Orthodox and inter-Christian conferences, and received high honors for his contributions to culture, education, and interfaith dialogue.

The appointment marks a significant moment for the Church as it moves forward under new leadership.

Metropolitan Ioannis of Korçë — Biography

Metropolitan Bishop Ioannis Pelushi was born in Tirana on January 2, 1956. During his early youth, at the height of religious persecution in Albania, he was secretly baptized by the revered priest Kozma Qirio, who later became the Bishop of Apollonia. This act made him part of a small underground Christian community. Between 1979 and 1990, he worked at the Tirana Psychiatric Hospital in the rehabilitation pavilion, using occupational therapy. In 1990, he left Albania to pursue theological studies in the USA at the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Boston. He graduated in 1993 with “High Distinction” in a Master of Theological Studies (MTS).

Even before completing his studies, in 1992, he expressed a strong desire to return to Albania to contribute to the Church’s reconstruction, despite many others seeking to leave the country. Encouraged and blessed by Archbishop Anastasios, he returned in September of that year and began teaching at the Theological Academy of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania. He was ordained a deacon on February 27, 1994, and later a priest on December 4, while continuing his academic duties. In 1995, he returned to the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology for further studies, achieving high academic excellence and securing a place on the National Dean’s List. In 1996, he was elevated to archimandrite and, in 1997, earned another degree with “High Distinction” in Master of Theology (MT), an advanced academic qualification. He returned to Albania and served as the Dean of the Theological Academy until his appointment as Metropolitan in 1998.

In that year, Ioannis was elected and consecrated as the Metropolitan of Korça, a position he held for 27 years. He continued to teach at the Theological Academy, authored Dogmatics texts, and translated many theological works, including fundamental writings of the Church Fathers, such as On the Holy Spirit by Basil the Great. His translations significantly contributed to the development and standardization of theological and philosophical terminology in the Albanian language. As a scholar, he has been recognized both nationally and internationally for his linguistic and theological contributions.

In 2000, he founded and continues to oversee the periodical Tempulli, one of Albania’s most respected journals in the fields of culture, history, philosophy, archaeology, theology, and Albanology. The journal brings together prominent scholars from Albania and abroad, and Ioannis has been a leading contributor to its content. He has also represented the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania in numerous international conferences, dialogues between the Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches, and preparatory meetings for the Great and Holy Synod of 2016 in Crete.

Beyond his theological work, Ioannis has made significant contributions to social, cultural, and humanitarian efforts, particularly in Korça, where he initiated the opening of a canteen that has served those in need for over 27 years. His efforts have fostered interfaith dialogue, strengthened national unity, and supported educational initiatives. He has frequently lectured at universities, theological schools, and international academic conferences, earning recognition from various Orthodox Churches worldwide.

For his contributions, he has received numerous honors, including:

• Honorary Citizen of Korça Region (2003) – for his role in fostering religious tolerance and theological scholarship.
• Honorary Citizen of Korça (2008) – for his contributions to social and humanitarian causes.
• Doctor Honoris Causa, Fan S. Noli University of Korça (2018) – for his impact on culture, archaeology, theology, and history.
• Certificate of Appreciation from the Municipality of Tirana (2019) – for promoting peace, harmony, and religious coexistence.

On March 16, 2025, His Beatitude Ioannis, Metropolitan of Korça, was unanimously elected Archbishop of Tirana, Durrës, and All Albania, succeeding the late Archbishop Anastasios.

Sorce:

OCP News Service & Albanian Orthodox Church