The new Primate will need to be savvy, navigating between conflicting pro-Russian and pro-Ukrainian currents in the small but opinionated Albanian Orthodox Church. For the first time in decades ...

“Albania’s Autocephalous Orthodox Church wants to live in peace with all,” said Archbishop Joan, adding that religious ...

In a message of support, Elpidophoros extended his prayers and best wishes to Ioannis, hoping the new prelate would lead with strength and wisdom as he steps into this pivotal role. The election marks ...

He is the sixth head of the Albanian Orthodox Church. According to the 2023 census, Orthodox believers in Albania make up about 7% of the 2.4 million population, although the church says the ...

Archbishop Joan, 69, vowed to further enrich religious co-existence. Albanian President Bajram Begaj said the ceremony sent a message promoting a more united society. The Orthodox Church of Albania ...

"Most Christians in Albania have been followers for less than 10 years. The churches are small, but full of young and energetic believers." In March, evangelistic events were held in five Albanian ...

All forms of religion were banned in Albania for 23 years starting in 1967, when the country was completely isolated from the outside world and the communists seized the property of Islamic, Orthodox, ...

(AP Photo/Vlasov Sulaj) People gather during an inauguration ceremony of Albania’s Orthodox Church for its new Archbishop Joan, outside the Cathedral of Resurrection of Christ, in Tirana, Albania, ...