On Sunday, March 16, Albania’s Orthodox Church elected Joan Pelushi as its new leader, following the death of Archbishop Anastasios in January.
The election, which took place after a 40-minute meeting, saw Joan, the Metropolitan of Korca, chosen as the archbishop of Tirana, Durres, and all of Albania, as well as head of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania.
Two metropolitans were excluded due to their Greek citizenship, in line with church statutes.
“I humbly accept this high service and promise to faithfully carry out my duty,” Joan said after signing the synod’s decision. He had earlier led Mass at the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ in Tirana.
Joan, 69, had a varied career before entering the clergy. He worked at the Tirana Psychiatric Hospital until 1990, when communism ended in Albania.
He studied at the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in the US and became a priest in 1994. In 1998, he was appointed Metropolitan of Korca.
The Orthodox Church of Albania was declared autocephalous in 1922 after being under the jurisdiction of the Patriarchate of Constantinople. Joan is now the church’s sixth leader.
The church recognised Joan for his contributions to cultural, scientific, and humanitarian areas, as well as his efforts in fostering inter-religious dialogue and patriotism.
According to the 2023 census, Orthodox Christians make up about 7% of Albania’s population.
Source: The Washington Post.
