Anastasios of Albania facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Anastasios
Archbishop of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania
Native name	Αναστάσιος Γιαννουλάτος
Church	Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania
See	Tirana-Durrës
Enthroned	24 June 1992
Reign ended	25 January 2025
Predecessor	Damian (1974)
Successor	John
Orders
Ordination	24 May 1964
Consecration	19 November 1972
Personal details
Birth name	Anastasios Yannoulatos
Born	(1929-11-04)4 November 1929 Piraeus, Greece
Died	25 January 2025(2025-01-25) (aged 95) Athens, Greece
Buried	Resurrection Cathedral, Tirana
Denomination	Eastern Orthodox Christianity
Alma mater	University of Athens University of Hamburg University of Marburg Makerere University
Signature

Archbishop Anastasios (born Anastasios Yannoulatos on November 4, 1929) was a very important leader in the Orthodox Christian Church. He was the Archbishop of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania. This means he was the main leader of the Orthodox Church in Albania.

He was chosen for this role in June 1992. Anastasios was also a respected professor at the National University of Athens. He was an honorary member of the Academy of Athens, which is a big honor for scholars. He also served as a president of the World Council of Churches, an organization that brings together many Christian churches worldwide. He was also the honorary president of the World Conference of Religions for Peace, which works for peace among different religions. Archbishop Anastasios passed away on January 25, 2025, at the age of 95.

Life and Important Work

Anastasios was born in Piraeus, Greece. His family came from the island of Cephalonia. On December 24, 2017, he became a citizen of Albania. He was known for his charity work in Africa before he became the Archbishop of Albania.

His Education Journey

Anastasios was a brilliant student. He finished high school with high honors in 1947. He then earned a degree in Theology from the National University of Athens in 1952. He continued his studies in many fields, including the history of religions, cultures, and Christian missions, at universities in Germany.

He also did research in Africa from 1965 to 1969. In 1970, he earned his doctorate in Theology with the highest honors. During his studies, he learned about many different religions, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and African religions.

His Church Service

Anastasios dedicated his life to the church. He became a deacon in 1960 and a priest in 1964. In 1972, he became a Bishop. From 1981 to 1991, he served as an acting archbishop in parts of Africa, including Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

In January 1991, he became a special representative of the Patriarch (the highest leader) in Albania. Then, on June 24, 1992, he was chosen as the Archbishop of Tirana, Durrës, and the leader of the Orthodox Church in Albania. He held this important position until his death.

After a big earthquake hit Albania in 2019, the World Council of Churches sent a message of support to Archbishop Anastasios. They expressed sadness for the people affected and offered their help.

Anastasios was highly praised for helping to rebuild the Orthodox Church in Albania after many years of difficulty. He was also seen as someone who helped build bridges between Greece and Albania. He was known for being a moderate leader.

His Academic Career

Anastasios also had a successful career in academics. He taught modern Greek language and culture in Germany from 1966 to 1969. He also started and led a center for missionary studies at the University of Athens.

He became a full professor of the History of Religions at the National University of Athens in 1976 and later became a Professor Emeritus. He held many important roles at the university, including being the Dean of the Theological Faculty.

He received many honorary degrees from universities and theological schools around the world, recognizing his great contributions to theology and education.

Church and Community Work

Anastasios was very active in his community even before becoming a bishop. He worked as a preacher, teaching teenagers and leading Bible studies. He also started and directed an important center for Orthodox missions.

He was a member of many important committees and foundations, working on social issues, education, and protecting cultural heritage. He helped Greek workers and students living in Germany during his studies there.

International Church Activities

Anastasios was involved in many international church activities. He was a leader in youth organizations and worked with the World Council of Churches on missionary research.

He was part of many international groups that discussed different religions and worked towards understanding and peace. He gave many lectures around the world about Christian faith, talking with other religions, and working for global peace.

He was also a president of the World Council of Churches from 2006 onwards and an honorary president of the World Conference of Religions for Peace.

Illness and Passing

In November 2020, Anastasios became sick with COVID-19. He was flown to Athens, Greece, for treatment and stayed in the hospital for 12 days. He often received medical care in Athens in his later years.

He was admitted to a hospital in Tirana on December 30, 2024, due to a "seasonal virus." A few days later, he was flown to Athens and had surgery for internal bleeding. Archbishop Anastasios passed away on January 25, 2025, from multiple organ failure. He was 95 years old.

In his will, Anastasios left half of his savings to finish building the Resurrection Cathedral in Tirana. The other half was for youth programs and supporting priests in the Church of Albania. He gave his books to the Durrës Theological Academy and other libraries.

Awards and Honors

Archbishop Anastasios received many important awards and honors throughout his life from various churches, governments, and organizations. These awards recognized his dedication, leadership, and efforts in promoting peace and understanding. Some of these include:

• The Holy Cross of the Apostle and Evangelist Mark from the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria (1985)
• The Silver Medal of the Academy of Athens (1987)
• The Grand Cross of the Order of Honor from the Hellenic Republic (1997)
• The Medal of Apostle Andreas from the Ecumenical Patriarchate (1999)
• The Athenagoras Human Rights Award (2001)
• The Medal of George Kastrioti Skanderbeg from the Republic of Albania (2010)
• The Supreme Order of the Emperor Constantine the Great from the Church of Serbia (2013)
• The Medal of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, 1st Class, from Ukraine (2013)

See also

• Rrok Mirdita