The official visit of peace of the Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa Theodoros II Continues

Albanian Orthodox Church

November 2009

Sunday morning, the pious people and clergy of Albania experienced a special ecclesiastical event, the concelebration of the Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, His Beatitude Theodoros II and the Archbishop of Tirana, Durrёs and All Albania, His Beatitude Anastasios.

The Orthodox Cathedral was filled with people to receive the Primates and all the members of the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania. During the concelebration of the Hierarchical Liturgy Patriarch Theodoros II and Archbishop Anastasios exchanged their main greetings and messages which traditionally characterize this type of official visit.

Archbishop Anastasios greeted the visit of Patriarch Theodoros II by expressing his joy with the words: “Every official visit of a primate of the Orthodox Church opens a vast window in the minds and hearts of the believers of the local Church to see more clearly the dimensions of the Orthodox Church which they are part of “from one end of the world to the other.”

Archbishop Anastasios emphasized also the mystical relationship that exists between the Church of Africa and that of Albania. He pointed out, “The experience in Africa was a very valuable preparation for the journey on the difficult and slipping paths of post-communist Albania toward the restoration of local Churches. And in every Divine Liturgy that is offered to the Church ‘from one end of the earth to the other,’ we have the blessing to be again mystically near our dear brothers in Africa, your chosen flock.”

In his greeting, the Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, Theodoros II repeated once more the role that Archbishop Anastasios had played during his missionary activity in Africa. The Patriarch expressed his heartfelt delight that he was co-celebrating with Archbishop Anastasios in communion, in the love of the Trinitarian God and in the mystery of the unity of the two Churches. The Churches are united in an ancient historical relationship that is unified by the missionary service of Archbishop Anastasios in Kenya and other countries of Africa. “Doubtlessly, Your Beatitude,” Theodoros II pointed out, “you are one of the great dignitaries of our age. All your efforts have been inspired by the ecumenical concept of the Church because your first love was foreign missions.”

Continuing, the Primate of the Church of All Africa summarized all the missionary activities of Archbishop Anastasios, mentioning also different sayings from his work, which today have acquired an ecumenical authenticity and have turned into Orthodox hymns the importance and necessity of mission. Finally, the Patriarch wished that the excellent relationship of the two Churches would be further strengthened.

After the Divine Liturgy, symbolic gifts between the two Primates were exchanged. Archbishop Anastasios gave the Patriarch a Chalice as a sign of the liturgical unity between the two Primates whenever the diptychs are remembered in every Divine Liturgy. Then Patriarch Theodoros II read the decision of the Synod of the Patriarchate of Alexandria which bestowed upon Archbishop Anastasios the order of the Great Cross of St. Mark, as a sign of gratitude and thanks for his pastoral contributions in Africa. He also gave him an eagle-shaped Enkolpion, as well as a blessing Cross for the Holy Altar, which had been worked in an artisan-like manner by the monks of St. Anthony the Great Monastery, in memory of His visit to Albania.

The second day of the Patriarch’s visit continued with an official luncheon that Archbishop Anastasios had organized at the Tabor Spiritual Centre. There the Patriarch spoke with the officials of different departments of the Church about the importance of everyone working for the progress of all. The Patriarch emphasized that the Church of Albania is very fortunate to have Archbishop Anastasios as its Primate.

On Sunday afternoon, the Patriarch, together with his delegation attended a festive concert organized by the Sons of Light Orthodox Youth for the 80th birthday of Archbishop Anastasios. Many youth groups from all over Albania performed. The Patriarch and other participants also view a documentary on the life and work of Archbishop Anastasios.

At the end of the concert, Patriarch Theodoros, being unable to conceal his deep feelings, greeted all the youth telling them that their Archbishop, like St Paul, desired neither gold nor silver but to commit himself to Christ, showing through works his love for Him. “While watching the documentary we cried at the miserable condition of the Church that Archbishop Anastasios found. The Lord, through your Arch-shepherd has given and will continue to give you many gifts. I noticed how joyfully, with your songs and dances, you showed your gratitude to the Archbishop. When I get back to Africa and dance to the rhythms of the tympanis, together with thousands of African children, I will have you also in my heart. After many years, when your Church will have progressed, you will always remember who resurrected it.” The Patriarch expressed his wish that after 20 years he should come again to Albania to celebrate the 100th birthday of Archbishop Anastasios.

Archbishop Anastasios in his greeting to the youth said: “I cannot find words to express myself. My heart is full with deep feelings which are expressed with the words, “Thank you. Wholeheartedly I wish you love, joy, peace and communion with Christ.“

With the youth rejoicing and the Primates offering words of thanks, the second day of the official visit of peace of the Patriarch of Alexandria closed.

On Monday, November 2nd, the Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, His Beatitude Theodoros II will meet with the President of the Republic, the Prime Minister, the Head of the Parliament, the Exterior Minister, the Mayor of Tirana, as well as other important figures and representatives of the diplomatic corps assigned to Albania.

Aleks Curi.
Translated by Joan Baba
Edited by Anastasia Pamela Barksdale

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