Archbishop Anastasios (Yannoulatos)

Archbishop Anastasios (Yannoulatos) (1929-2025)

Anastasios may be spelt Anastasius, Anastasy, Anastas.

Yannoulatos may be spelt Yanullatos, Janullatos.

Early life

On 4 November, 1929, Anastasios Yannoulatos was born in Pireus, Greece (a port city adjacent to Athens). He was born into a devout Orthodox Christian family, and he was raised as a serious Orthodox Christian. He was raised as a regular and active participant in parish services of the Orthodox Church of Greece.

Anastasios received the primary and secondary education available in his home city at that time. He entered the Second Athens Boys’ High School in 1947.

At first, he enjoyed mathematics ; and during his teenage years, he wanted to continue his studies in this field.

It is important to recall that during his early life, Greece was passing through not only the Great Depression, but also a long period of political instability. During this time, the monarchy had been re-established. Then followed the turmoil of World War II.

His understanding of himself and his purpose adjusted after the outbreak of World War II. During the war years, Anastasios began to experience his faith in a more personal way. He witnessed much of the suffering and devastation of war. Within the chaos he could find meaning only in the Orthodox Christian Faith in which he had been raised. For the world and his country to be saved from the evils of war, as well as from the consequences of the civil war in Greece, he understood the urgent need for the message of inner peace, peace that comes through Jesus Christ. This experience led Anastasios to abandon his desires for other fields of study, and pursue theology.

So intense was this desire that he said, “For me it was not enough to give something to God, I had to give myself completely to Him. I wanted my whole being to live in Christ”.

Following World War II came the Civil War of 1946-1949.

In that context, in 1947, Anastasios graduated with honours from high school.

Higher education

In 1947, Anastasios entered the theological faculty of the University of Athens in Athens, Greece. He graduated with honours in 1951.

After having graduated, Anastasios fulfilled his compulsory military service in the army for 2 years.

In 1953, he graduated with honours from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.

International Syndesmos

In addition, Anastasios took part in meetings and activities of the movement “International Orthodox Syndesmos”. This international movement of Orthodox Christian youth developed communication and co-operation amongst various local and national Orthodox Christian youth organisations. Anastasios was elected to serve as General Secretary of the organisation, and he served thus from 1958 to 1961. Later, he was elected to serve as President of the organisation, and he served thus from 1964 to 1978.

During this time, he met other young leaders who shared the same zeal to proclaim the Gospel. Together, they began to understand that Christ could never be satisfied with proclaiming the Gospel only within the Church. His original command was to go to all nations (Matthew 18:18-20). Therefore, missions are not only internal, but also external. The “Great Commission” of the past is a great responsibility for the present.

At that time Anastasios wrote,

 A Church without mission is a contradiction in terms.  If the Church is
 unswerving in the apostolic work entrusted to her, she denies herself,
 contradicts herself and her essence, and betrays the battle she is waging.  
 A Church that stands still, a Church that lacks the vision and the constant
 effort to proclaim the Gospel to the unbaptised, can hardly be recognised as a
 Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, to which the Lord entrusted the 
 continuation of His work.

Diaconal ordination, 1960

On 7 August, 1960, Anastasios Yannoulatos was ordained to the Holy Diaconate.

Diaconal service

Deacon Anastasios continued to serve as General Secretary of “Syndesmos”. He also established the Porefthentes Orthodox Christian Missionary Centre, headquartered in Athens, Greece. This organisation functions until the present.

Deacon Anastasios served as a member of the “International Committee for Missionary Studies” of the World Council of Churches (1963-1969).

Presbyteral ordination, 1964

On 24 May, 1964, Deacon Anastasios Yannoulatos was ordained to the Holy Priesthood.

Presbyteral service

With the blessing, Priest Anastasios Yannoulatos departed immediately for Uganda, East Africa. There, he served the Divine Liturgy for the first time ; and there, he began his missionary service.

However, before long, he contracted the disease malaria, and he was forced to return to Greece for treatment and convalescence.

Further study

From 1965 to 1969, Father Anastasios studied the History of Religions at the University of Hamburg, and the University of Marburg in West Germany. His studies were focussed on the History of African Religions, Missiology, and Ethnology.

In the years 1965-1969 he completed postgraduate studies in History of Religions, Ethnology, Missiology, and Africanology at the Universities of Hamburg and Marburg.

He served also as a lecturer in Modern Greek and Philology at the University of Marburg, Germany (1966-1969).

Meanwhile, he undertook further research at Makerere University, in Kampala, Uganda, with a scholarship from the German Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. Further, he studied various religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, African religions, Islam), and the countries where they flourish (e.g. India, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Korea, Japan, China, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Nigeria, Brazil, the Caribbean, Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Turkey).

The result was his thesis, “The Spirit of Mbandwa and the Structure of Their Cults : A Study of Various Aspects of African Religions”.

In 1970, Archimandrite Anastasios (Yannoulatos) received the Doctor of Theology from the University of Athens in Greece, “Summa cum Laude”.

“ZOE” Brotherhood

At about that time, Archimandrite Anastasios joined the “ZOI”/“ZOE” (Life) Brotherhood, a religious organisation focussed on the spiritual revival of the Church in Greece. His responsibilities included mission to the youth of his country. He became a leader of student movements, youth camps, and he struggled to make the Orthodox Christian Faith real and tangible for the young people around him. Through these experiences, he discovered the impact that these programmes had on the Church in general. He understood that without such missionary service, the Eastern Orthodox Church could lose its purpose and perhaps decline.

From 1969 to 1971, Archimandrite Anastasios served as Secretary for “Missionary Research and Relations with the Orthodox Church”, within the General Secretariat of the World Council of Churches.

He also organised and directed the “Centre for Missionary Studies” at the University of Athens (1971-1976) and the “Inter-Orthodox Centre of Athens” of the Church of Greece (1971-1975).

From 1971 to 1990, Archimandrite Anastasios (also as a bishop) served as General Director of the “Apostoliki Diakonia” of the Church of Greece.

Episcopal ordination

In 1972, Archimandrite Anastasios (Yannoulatos) was ordained to the Holy Episcopate.

In November, 1972, he was elected by the Hierarchy of the Church of Greece as Titular Bishop, under the title of the “Once-Illuminated Diocese of Androusa”, to fill the episcopal position of General Director of the “Apostolic Ministry Apostoliki Diaconia of the Church of Greece”. From this position, he promoted various theological, educational, building, and publishing programmes of the Church.

Episcopal service

Bishop Anastasios (Yannoulatos) was assigned to serve as Bishop of Androusa (Messinia, Peloponnese).

In 1972, Bishop Anastasios (Yannoulatos) (in addition to his other responsibilities) was assigned to serve as head of the Department of External Church Missions of the Church of Greece, in Athens, Greece.

In 1972, Bishop Anastasios founded the Women’s Monastery of Saint John the Baptist. This monastery had a missionary focus in its community life.

From 1972 to 1976, Bishop Anastasios served as Associate Professor of History of Religions at the National University of Athens (later, as Professor Emeritus from 1996).

From 1972 to 1992, Bishop Anastasios served as Professor of Religions at the University of Athens in Greece.

In February, 1973, he went to the Law School of the University of Athens (which was occupied by students protesting against the dictatorship), carrying food, and encouraging the detainees. A few months later, he protested to the ESA about the conditions of detention.

At the same University, he served as Director of the Department of Religious Studies (1983-1986), and also as Dean of the Faculty of Theology and Member of the Senate (1983-1986).

After this, he continued to be a member of the Research Committee of the University of Athens (1986-1990).

Bishop Anastasios was a member of the Council of the Centre for Mediterranean and Arab Studies (1978-1982).

During his presence at the University, he was also Vice-President of the Ephorate of the University Club (1978-1979, and 1983-1986) ; President of the “Committee of Support for the Cyprus Struggle” of the University of Athens (1975-84) ; member of the Research Committee of the University of Athens (1986-90), and of the Board of Directors of the Centre for Mediterranean and Arabic Studies (1978-82).

In parallel with his academic work, he was involved actively in the global “ecumenical movement”.

Bishop Anastasios served as a member of the Council of the Higher School of Social Workers (1977-1984) ; of the High Official Committee for the Church of Greece (1977-1985) ; of the Committee for Church Education of the Ministry of National Education and Religions (1977-1982) ; of the Committee for the Protection of the Cultural Heritage of Cyprus (1985-1991) ; of the Scholarship Committee of the “Alexander Onassis Foundation” (1978-1994, and 1994-2005). He was a member of the “Filekpedheftiki Society” (1994-2025).

Bishop Anastasios served as a member of many international academic/scientific committees such as : “Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Missionswissenschaft” (“German Society for Mission Studies”); the “International Society of Missionary Research” ; the Council of Churches Commission for Dialogue with Other Churches and Ideologies (1975-1983) ; the Mixed Commission of the “Conference of European Churches”, and of the “Council of the Roman Catholic Episcopal Conference” ; of “Islam in Europe” (1989-1991) ; of the International Committee of the “World Conference on Religion and Peace” (1985-1994).

From 1959 onwards, he participated in a large number of international conferences ; of inter-Orthodox, inter-Christian, and inter-religious dialogues ; several times in the “World Assembly of the World Council of Churches” (several times as a keynote speaker). He was representing the Church, the University, and/or international organisations.

Bishop of Nairobi

In 1981, after the full restoration of his health, he left for Africa again, this time as Vicar-Bishop of the Holy Metropolis of Irenopolis (East Africa). His jurisdiction there included Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, where he carried out an enormous amount of work regarding the functioning of the Church.

In Nairobi, Kenya, he founded and organised the Patriarchal School “Archbishop Makarios of Cyprus”, which he directed for a decade.

He ordained 62 African clergy, and he tonsured 42 readers – catechists from 8 African tribes ; at the same time he promoted the translations of the Divine Liturgy into 4 African languages. He ensured the stabilisation of approximately 150 Orthodox parishes and nuclei, and the construction of dozens of Temples ; he erected 7 missionary stations, and he ensured the creation of schools and medical stations.

In the 1980s, the Orthodox Church in East Africa was on the verge of collapse as a consequence of internal troubles that led to the deposition of the Kenyan bishop at that time (Bishop George (Gathuna) of Nitria). Patriarch Nicholas VI of Alexandria invited Bishop Anastasios to take over the see. Bishop Anastasios accepted this responsibility, but he also continued his work at the University of Athens. He was not, however, the “ruling bishop”, but he served as the administrator of the diocese.

In Africa, the main priority of Bishop Anastasios was to create a strong Orthodox Christian community which was led by local leaders. The bishop’s first priority was immediately to open a seminary. The construction of this seminary had 10 years previously been started by Archbishop Macarius III (Mouskos), and then it was forced to be interrupted. Along with training personnel, Bishop Anastasios organised the translation of divine services into 7 distinct languages. Under his leadership, 67 new Temples were constructed, and 25 existing ones were renovated. He also worked towards the construction of schools, kindergartens, mobile hospitals, and missionary centres.

After 10 years, he returned to Athens, where he founded the missionary magazine “Panta ta Ethni (All the Nations)”, which he directed from 1981 to 1991.

Bishop Anastasios was Emeritus Professor of the University of Athens ; and a Corresponding Member of the Academy of Athens (since 1993). Besides a Bachelor Degree (B.D.), he received the degrees Doctor of Theology (Th.D.) of the University of Athens ; Honourary Doctor of Theology, and of Philosophy (Th.D., D.D., Ph.D., from Holy Cross College in Brookline, Massachusetts, USA), and honourary doctorates of 13 other universities, faculties, and institutes. He was also named an Honourary Member of the Moscow Theological Academy in Russia.

In addition to modern and ancient Greek, he was fluent in English, French, and German. He also knew Latin, Italian, Spanish, Albanian, Russian, and Swahili.

He lectured at many university centres on Christian witness, interreligious dialogue and international solidarity and peace. As a result of his asceticism, and the education of local ardent adherents of Orthodoxy, the Church in East Africa continued to develop even after he left this see in 1991.

Transfer from Kenya to Albania

The ecclesiastical labours of Bishop Anastasios culminated in the mission assigned to him by the Ecumenical Patriarchate to restore from the ruins the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania, which had collapsed after 46 years of persecution by the only “atheist state” in the world. It was in obedience that he accepted the transfer from the Patriarchate of Alexandria to the Patriarchate of Constantinople.

Albania

In Albania, Enver Hoxha (leader of the Labour Party) died on 11 April, 1985. He had been the leader of Albania from 1945 to 1985.

It is written that this event produced a period of upheaval that led to 1991 elections which took the direction of capitalism instead of communism.

Patriarchal Exarch in Albania

On 8 January, 1991, Patriarch Demetrios (Papadopoulos) of Constantinople sent Bishop Anastasios to Albania as Patriarchal Exarch with the aim of restoring the Albanian Autocephalous Orthodox Church.

Metropolitan of Androusa

To this end, Bishop Anastasios was elevated to the dignity of metropolitan on 20 October, 1991, and he was named Titular Metropolitan of Androusa.

After 40 years of brutal extermination under Communism, the Orthodox Church in Albania had been devastated completely : the clergy numbered 22, as compared with 440 in 1940. This extermination was part of a long and increasing anti-religious period which had begun during the time of the Ottoman Empire. After 1967, Albania was declared an atheist state, and no public or private expression of religion was allowed.

Moreover, the history of the development of the Autocephalous Albanian Orthodox Church earlier in the 20th century was fraught with difficulties. One of the notable persons central to the movement towards autocephaly was Metropolitan Theophan (Noli), who helped to bring about the declaration of autonomy for the Church of Albania in 1922.

Election to Archbishop

The election of Metropolitan Anastasios (Yannoulatos) by the Holy Synod of the Church of Constantinople to become the fourth Primate of the Albanian Orthodox Church took place on 24 June, 1992.

At that time, he was elevated to the dignity of archbishop.

Primate of the Church of Albania

On 2 August, 1992, Archbishop Anastasios (Yannoulatos) was enthroned formally during the Primatial Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral Church of the Holy Resurrection in Tirana, Albania.

Patriarch Bartholomew (Archontonis) of Constantinople presided at the Divine Liturgy of the enthronement.

He was given the official title of Archbishop of Tiranë, Durrës, Elbasan, and the Orthodox Church of Albania.

Archbishop of Albania

Primatial service

In the subsequent years, Archbishop Anastasios (Yannolatos) devoted himself whole-heartedly to the work of attempting to reconstruct the Church of Albania. As a fruit of his labours, over 400 parishes were formed. In addition, he founded the Theological-Priestly School (Academy) “Anastasis” in Durrës (1992) ; the Ecclesiastical Lyceum “Timios Stavros” (“Holy Cross”) in Gjirokastër (1998), and in Sukth-Durres (2007), which today operate in privately owned complexes, and 50 youth centres in various cities.

Saint Vlash (Blaise) Monastery ; Holy Resurrection (Anastasis) Theological Seminary

In 1996, the Monastery of Shen Vlash (Saint Blaise) was revived, and it was established in the Shënavlash Village, in the suburbs of the Durrës District, now the Durrës County. It was renewed on the historical site of the Temple of Shen Vlash, which was also the site of the former Women's Monastery of the same dedication.

At that time, the previously-established Holy Resurrection Theological Seminary was moved to this same site. Construction of the Temple of Shen Vlash, with seminary and other buildings continued until 2001.

Archbishop Anastasios teaching during early years after the founding

During this process, the Theological Seminary was transformed into a Theological Academy, where both men and women study. In addition, a medical centre was developed at the monastery, and an orphanage was established as well in 2003.

Shen Vlash (Saint Blaise) Monastery complex

Holy Temple of Saint Vlash (Blaise)

Holy Resurrection of Christ Orthodox Theological Academy, Durrës

Archbishop Anastasios trained and ordained 145 new clergy, while he took care of the publication of liturgical and other religious books. He established a Technical Service in the Church of Albania. He ensured the reconstruction of 150 new churches, the restoration of 70 monasteries and churches (kept as historical cultural monuments) ; the repair of 160 churches ; of 45 church buildings (Archdiocese headquarters, Metropolises (diocesan centres), schools, clinics, hostels, youth camps, etc.), making a total of 425 new and renovated buildings.

He founded the first women's monastery (Skete of the Holy Myrrh-bearers), in which a nun has lived in asceticism since 2011.

Through numerous difficulties, he rebuilt the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania from complete ruin, re-organised more than 400 parishes, founded the Theological Academy “Resurrection of Christ” in Durrës (1992), and 12 ecclesiastical Lyceums ; and he educated and ordained 159 clergy.

He opened a seminary with more than 80 students ; within 2 years, the number of clergy increased from 11 to 56.

Albanian Orthodox in Canada 1990-present

In January and February, 2003, the Mission of the Holy Martyr Astius was established within the Archdiocese of Canada (Orthodox Church in America (OCA)) in Toronto, Ontario, and a priest was provided. However, that particular cleric proved to be a political activist (a "nationalist") who provoked some international tensions, and who caused distress to Archbishop Anastasios. Before long, the situation was resolved, and the priest was removed. This occurred following a meeting between the Canadian bishop and Archbishop Anastasios in the presence of Patriarch Bartholomew during the World Council of Churches meeting in Porto Alegre, Brazil, in 2006. Subsequently, he was deposed from the Holy Priesthood. In 2006, with the assistance of Bishop Nikon (Liolin) of the Albanian Archdiocese of the OCA , the Mission Parish of Saint Astius was transferred to the omophor of Bishop Ilia (Katre), the Bishop of the Albanian Diocese under Constantinople in the USA. The Mission began to worship on the premises of the Danforth Baptist Church (Danforth Avenue & Bowden Street) in Riverdale, Toronto.

In addition, the Albanian Diocese made an outreach to new immigrants from Albania towards a possible establishment of a community in Montréal, Québec.

Albanian Civil Upheaval, 1997

Between January and August, 1997, there was tumultuous civil unrest in Albania. Many died during the conflict, and there were major changes in the government. A major contributor was the economic catastrophe associated with the collapse of investment schemes.

Between 2003 and 2009, Archbishop Anastasios served as Vice-president of the Conference of European Churches (CEC).

Various accomplishments

During the course of his missionary and archpastoral activities in Albania, under the blessing of Archbishop Anastasios, 50 youth centres in various cities were established.

There began and continued the translation and publication of liturgical books and other religious books.

155 new Temples were constructed ; 63 others were restored, and more than 160 existing Temples were repaired, as well as 75 parish centres (Episcopal and Metropolitical buildings, schools, medical centres, hostels, youth camps, etc.).

The total construction work amounts to about 500 buildings.

He blessed the carrying out of charitable works, the distribution hundreds of tons of food, clothing and medicine. He founded a monthly newspaper and 3 magazines, as well as a radio station. He took care of the construction of the Albanian Church's workshops (printing house, candle-factory, carpentry, icon workshops, and their restoration).

At the same time, there were developed pioneering programmes in the fields of education, health, social care, rural development, culture, and ecology.

The archbishop founded the Diagnostic Medical Centre with 24 specialties in Tirana ; and 4 medical centres in other cities. He founded the Theological Academy ; 2 Vocational Training Institutes in Tirana ; the “Logos” University College ; a vocational high school ; 5 primary and secondary schools ; a girls’ boarding school, and 20 kindergartens in various cities.

Archbishop Anastasios took care about the construction of roads, waterworks, bridges, the repair of public schools, and many other matters.

During the critical period of the Kosovo War (1998-1999), he organised a wide humanitarian programme, which helped about 33,000 refugees in various parts of Albania.

Archbishop Anastasios connected the Church of Albania with several international church organisations. He was a founding member of the Interdenominational Bible Society of Albania, and of the Interreligious Council of Albania.

During the time of political tensions between Greece and Albania, he contributed to their mitigation, and the rapprochement of the 2 countries.

On 24 October, 2008, according to Article 10 of the Constitution of the Republic of Albania, Archbishop Anastasios signed the Agreement provided for by the Constitution between the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania and the Council of Ministers (which was subsequently ratified by the People’s Assembly). On 22 January, 2009, it was decreed by the President of the Republic, Mr. Bamir Topi, and became State Law No. 10057/22.1.2009. This is an agreement that regulates the relations between the State and the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania in accordance with the legal government of Albania. It is administered and regulated according to the new Statute which was approved in November, 2006, in the special Clergy-Laity Assembly, in Durrës.

Through his initiatives and work, thousands of people were provided with jobs ; serious works of social structure were created ; and the Orthodox Church of Albania became a multi-dynamic spiritual factor and a factor of progress. He was an initiator in the renewal of missionary efforts in the Orthodox Church, and a scholar in the field of the History of Religions and interreligious dialogue. At the same time, he was known for his efforts as a peacemaker in the Balkans.

Universally recognised are his contributions to the field of science, to contemporary Christian witness, to rapprochement with other Christian denominations, to interreligious dialogue, and to peaceful co-existence between peoples and religions. He was awarded many decorations and prizes from various countries.

Archbishop Anastasios and the Holy Synod of the Church of Albania

Laurels

He was honoured with the Holy Cross of the Apostle and Evangelist Mark (First Class) of the Patriarchate of Alexandria (1985) ; with the Cross of Saint Catherine of Mount Sinai (Egypt) (1985) ; with that of Saints Cyril and Methodius of the Orthodox Church of Czechoslovakia (1986) ; with the Silver Medal of the Academy of Athens “as a promoter and pioneer of missionary work and labour” (1987) ; with the Gold Medal with the Laurel of the Greek Red Cross (1994) ; with the Grand Cross of the Order of Honour of the Hellenic Republic (1997) ; with the Medal of Grand Prince Vladimir (First Class) of the Russian Orthodox Church ; with the Medal of the Apostle Andrew of the Ecumenical Patriarchate (Constantinople/Istanbul) (1999) ; with the Grand Cross of the Order of the Orthodox Crusaders of the Holy Sepulchre (Jerusalem) (2000) ; with the Success Award of the Council of Greeks in the Diaspora (2000).

He was also honoured with the Athenagoras Prize for Human Rights (2001) (New York) ; the “Pro Humanitarian” of the European Cultural Institute Pro Europe (Freiburg) (2001) ; the Grand Cross of the Order of Saint Paul of the Church of Greece (2001) ; the Medal of Honour and Work for the General Welfare of the City of Athens (2001) ; the Golden Key of the City of Thessaloniki (2002) ; and of Lamia (2002) ; Honourary Citizen of Tirana and Korça ; the Polish Humanitarian Prize “Ecce Homo” (2003) ; the Medal of the President of the Romanian Republic (2003) ; the First Class Gold Medal of the Municipality of Piraeus (2005) ; the Prize “for Extraordinary Activities in Strengthening the Unity of Orthodox Christian Nations” (Moscow 2006) ‘ the Medal of Yaroslav the Wise of the Republic of Ukraine (2008) ; with the Great Golden Medal of the Apostle Barnabas of the Church of Cyprus (2008) ; with the Great Cross of the Apostle Mark of the Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa (2009) ; the “Gjergj Kastrioti - Skanderbeg” medal of the Republic of Albania (2010) (by the President of the Republic of Albania Mr. Bamir Topi) ; Honourary Senator of the European Academy of Sciences and Art in Salzburg, Austria (2019).

He participated in the World Mission and Evangelisation Assemblies (Mexico, 1963 ; Bangkok, 1973 ; Melbourne, 1980 ; San Antonio, 1989) and the WCC Assemblies (Uppsala, 1968 ; Nairobi, 1975 ; Vancouver, 1983 ; Canberra, 1991 ; Harare, 1998 ; Porto Alegre, 2006).

He was an Honourary Member of the Curatorium of the Roman Catholic Institute “Pro Oriente”, Vienna (1989-2025). He served as President-Moderator of the Commission for World Mission and Evangelisation of the World Council of Churches (1984-1991). He was a member of the Central Committee of the World Council of Churches (1998-2006). He was also a member of the European Council of Religious Leaders : Religions for Peace (2001-2025). He served a term as Vice-President of the Conference of European Churches (2003-2009). He served as a President of the World Council of Churches (2006-2013) ; Honourary President of the World Conference of Religions for Peace (2006-2013) ; President of the Interreligious Council of Albania (2018).

Protopresbyter John Chryssavgis recalled :

 For the archbishop, every moment was an invitation and opportunity to evangelise.  I still recall
 the window in his office, which Nicholas Gage described eloquently in the ‘Parade Magazine’ of
 the ‘Sunday World Herald’ (Atlanta, 27 July, 2003) : ‘A bullet is suspended in the window of the
 spartan Tirana office of Archbishop Anastasios, head of the Orthodox Church of Albania – 
 Stopped in its flight toward him by the double-glazed pane.  It came from a sniper in the 1997
 political upheaval that pushed Albania into chaos and almost claimed the archbishop’s life.  
 “I keep it there”, Anastasios would say, “to remind me that life is so fragile.  We cannot waste 
 a single day”.’

During the course of his archpastoral service, the Church of Albania increased to include more than 909 parishes spread all around Albania, and at least 550,000 Faithful.

However, due to the many difficulties he faced during his life, he faced serious health problems in his last years.

In 2020, Archbishop Anastasios suffered from the Covid-19 virus during the pandemic, and he was so diagnosed.

After a brief hospitalisation in Albania in December, 2024, on 3 January, 2025, he was transferred to Athens, Greece.

From 10 January, 2025, he was hospitalised in critical condition, and he was intubated in the ICU of the Evangelismos Hospital. However, his health condition deteriorated rapidly, with bleeding in the small intestine, which was treated with surgery.

Repose, 2025

Archbishop Anastasios (Yannoulatos) fell asleep in the Lord on Saturday, 25 January, 2025, at the Evangelismos Hospital in Athens, as a consequence of multi-organ failure.

On Tuesday, 20 January, 2025, the Memorial Divine Liturgy was served by Metropolitan Hierotheos (Vlachos) of Aghios Nafpaktos and Vlassios in the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Holy Annunciation in Athens, Greece.

This was followed by a Trisagion Service led by Archbishop Hieronymos II of Athens and All Greece, and the veneration of the body of the newly-departed Archbishop of Albania.

Prayers at Holy Annunciation Metropolitan Cathedral, Athens

Annunciation Metropolitan Cathedral, Athens

It took 2 days for the funeral procession to reach Tirana, Albania, by car. This was because it entered Albania through the southern border with Greece, where, by decision of the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church of Albania, a five-day period of ecclesiastical mourning was declared.

On Thursday, 30 January, the Funeral Service for the Burial of a Bishop was served in Tirana, Albania, in the Cathedral of the Holy Resurrection.

Funeral Service Holy Resurrection Cathedral, Tirana

Holy Resurrection Cathedral, Tirana, Albania

The Funeral service was presided over by Patriarch Bartholomew (Archontonis) of Constantinople. He was assisted by Patriarchs Theodore II (Horeftakis) of Alexandria ; Theophilos III (Giannopoulos) of Jerusalem ; Daniel (Nikolov) of Bulgaria ; Archbishops Ieronymos II (Liapis) of Athens and All Greece ; George (Papachrysostomou) of Cyprus, and by representatives from all Orthodox Churches. Representatives of other Christian denominations and other religions were present.

Following the funeral obsequies, the burial took place in a special crypt under the cathedral, in accordance with his wishes.

Amongst the many politicians present were Bajram Begaj, the President of Albania ; Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the Prime Minister of Greece ; and Edi Rama, the Prime Minister of Albania, who delivered funeral speeches.

The religious leaders and others inside the cathedral kissed Anastasios’ right hand as they passed by, before the coffin was taken to the crypt where it was to rest.

— Bishop of Androusa 1972-1992. Preceded by : ____.

— Metropolitan of Androusa 1992. Succeeded by Bishop Theoktistos (Kloukinas).

— Archbishop of Tiranë, Durrës, and All Albania 1992-2025. Preceded by : Archbishop Damian (Kokoneshi) 1966-1967. Succeeded by : Archbishop John (Pelushi).

Reflections

On 11 November, 2020, and then on 13, 15, and 23 November, Archbishop Anastasios gave an interview, and he expressed gratitude to his care-givers both during and after his hospitalisation when he suffered from "Covid-19" :

Speaking on the MEGA TV channel, the Archbishop of Tirana stressed, “I have been accustomed to ‘climbing down steep hills’ for 39 years now. We find a path and we move towards the glade again. I think that participating even in this way in the common pain is a gift of God”. Referring to the health problem he is currently facing, he stated that (people) “should not always look at the negative side”. “The symptoms are minor. Yesterday, we faced a bigger difficulty. I have a sensitivity in the lungs. I think we will get through this. I will be in Evangelismos Hospital today this afternoon. Besides, I know Evangelismos Hospital and we used to have some difficulties. We overcame them. And do not be upset. We will overcome every obstacle. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. These things are a great consolation to us”, he added.

On 13 November, 2020, Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana and all Albania sent an optimistic message from the Intensive Care Unit of the Evangelismos Hospital where he is being hospitalised. As he points out in the message he sent on Thursday night, “It has been the first day in Evangelismos Hospital and everything is going well. Throughout our lives, we refer to the God of surprises but also to the God of miracles. Our journey in Albania began with the shout ‘God is with us’ and the chorus of ‘we are with him’, which supported our certainty that ‘God will not leave us’. The Archbishop of Albania sent his heartfelt thanks to the doctors and nurses as well as to those who “once again expressed their love with spontaneous prayer”. And he ended his message with the words from last Sunday’s Gospel reading, which, he said, “determine the appropriate attitude : “Do not be afraid ; just believe” (Luke 8:50).

On 15 November, 2020, on the occasion of the thanks expressed by Archbishop Anastasios to the physicians and the nursing staff of the Evangelismos Hospital in Athens, the Archdiocese of Tirana communicated the views of the Archbishop regarding the development of science and technology. As pointed out in a relevant announcement, “Orthodoxy sees the development of positive sciences and technology with praise and thanksgiving to God, Who has given man the opportunity to seek the truth and to discover unknown aspects of Creation. It is worth emphasising that the Orthodox Church has avoided the attempt to patronise the scientific research and does not take a stand on any scientific achievement”. It is emphasised, however, that at the same time, with our gratitude and respect for scientific research, “we are obliged to point out the dangers, which are hidden in certain scientific achievements, highlighting the dignity of man and his divine destination. That is because science and technology alone can not deal with and cure all human problems – moral, emotional, existential”. “Man is not just intellect. ‘Artificial intelligence’ will never be able to replace love. It will always be fueled by faith, communion with the God of love. This macrocosm, the vastness of the universe, and this amazing microcosm that we carry within us, are things that the mind cannot fully comprehend. In short, the search for science aimed at exploring the secrets of creation as well as the spiritual search of the Church for approach and communication with the Creator are two different forms of search for truth. Both are expressions of praise to the One who is the Truth,” concludes the announcement of the Archdiocese of Tirana.

On 23 November, 2020, Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana, Durres and All Albania, after a twelve-day hospitalisation in the Intensive Care Unit of “Evangelismos” Hospital, was released from active care. He continued further necessary treatment at home in Athens.

Awards, honours :

Archbishop Anastasios (Yannoulatos) has been awarded many international awards, including the Gold Medal with Laurel Branch of the Red Cross ; the Grand Cross of the Order of Honour of the Hellenic Republic ; the Medal of the Equal-to-the-Apostles Grand Duke Vladimir, 1st class ; and the (Athenagoras Human Rights Award (New York).

He received the following : an Honourary Doctor of Theology from the Theological Faculty of the “Holy Cross”, Brooklyn Massachusetts, USA (1989) ; from the Theological Faculty of the “Aristotle” University of Thessaloniki (1995) ; from the Orthodox Faculty of Saint Vladimir (2003) ; from the Theological Faculty of the University of Craiova (2006). He was named an Honourary Member of the Moscow Theological Academy (1998). He received the D Staniloae Diploma of the University of Bucharest (the highest award of this University) (2003). He became an Honourary Doctor of the Theological Faculty of the Pontifical University of Southern Ital (2009) ; and also an Honourary Doctor of the Theological Faculty of the University of Georgia (2010).

Finally, he received an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy degree from the Department of History and Archaeology of the Faculty of Philosophy of the University of Ioannina (1996) ; from the Agricultural University of Athens (1996) ; from the Department of Political Science and Public Administration of Law, Economics and Political Science, and from all the Departments of the Faculty of Philosophy of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (1998) ; from the Department of International and European Studies of the University of Piraeus (2001) ; of the Department of Philology of the University of Crete (2002) ; of the Department of Physics, Medicine, Primary Education and Civil Engineering of the University of Patras (2002).

He received the degree Doctor of Humane Letters from Boston University (2004) ; from the History Department of the Ionian University, Corfu (2007) ; from the University of Korça (2008) ; from the Departments of History and Ethnology, as well as of Languages and Culture of the “Demokriti” University of Thrace (2009). He was a partner of the Orthodox Academy of Crete (2001), and a Corresponding Member of the Academy of Athens (1993-2005). From 2005 onwards he was an Honourary Member of the Academy of Athens.

Writings

“The M’bandua Spirits and the Contexts of their Worship : A religious Investigation of Aspects of African Religion” (1970).

“The Lord of Splendour : The God of the Tribes of Mount Kenya” (1971, 1981).

“Various Christian Approaches to the Other Religions : A Historical Outline” (1971)

“The Article on Orthodoxy in Japan”(1971).

“African Ritual Forms”(1972, 1981).

“Islam - A Religious Survey” (1975; 15th ed. in Greek as “Islam, A Religious Survey”. Athens: Akritas, 2006}. ISBN 960-328-270-7.

“Ruhan’ga – The Creator” (1975).

“Positions of Christians towards other Religions” (1975).

“Aspects of Hinduism – Buddhism” (1985).

“Universality and Orthodoxy” (4th edition published in 2002), in Serbian, Romanian, Albanian and English.

“Facing the World : An Orthodox Approach to World Problems” (2003).

“Islam : A General View” (the 121st edition of this book was published in 2003).

“Steps in Search of the Transcendent” (2004).

“Globalism and Orthodoxy” (Athens: Akritas, 2000, 2005) ISBN : 960-328-132-8 ). Also published in Serbian (Belgrade, 2002) ; Romanian (2003) ; Albanian (Tirana : “Globalizmi dhe Orthodhoksia”, 2004) ; Bulgarian (2004) ; and English as “Facing the World” ; “Orthodox Christian Essays on Global Concerns” (Crestwood [New York] ; and Geneva : St. Vladimir's Seminary Press, 2003, ISBN 978-2825413869).

“Traces from the Search for the Transcendent : A Collection of Religious Studies” (2004, 2006).

“Mission in the Footsteps of Christ – Theological Studies and Homilies” (2007).

“God was manifested in the Flesh” (2006). Also released in Albanian : “Erës u evriçët në mish” ... (2006).

“Another Viewpoint” (Printed text and narration on digital disc (CD)). (Athens : bond-us music, 2006). ISBN : 978-960-89634-0-5.

“Now Everything is filled with Light” (2007) (also released in Albanian : “Të vëlë u mbhën me tërë” (2007)).

“Monks and Mission in the 4th and 9th Centuries” (Athens : Akritas, 2008). ISBN : 978-960-328-314-0.

“To the Ends of the Earth” (Athens : Apostolic Ministry of the Church of Greece, 2009). ISBN : 978-960-315-621-5.

“In Africa” (Athens : Apostolic Ministry of the Church of Greece, 2010). ISBN : 978-960-315-652-9).

“In Albania : Cross and Resurrection” (Athens : Livanis, 2011). ISBN : 978-960-14-2482-8.

“Coexistence : Peace, Nature, Poverty, Terrorism, Values. A religious Perspective” (Athens : Armos, 2015). ISBN : 978-960-527-914-1.

“Archbishop Anastasios on the move : Conversations with Natasha Bastea and Makis Provatas” (Athens : Patakis Publications, 2021). ISBN : 9789601687261.

He was the founder and editor of the quarterly bilingual publication “Porefthentes” (Go-Ye) (1960-1970), and of the magazine “Panta ta Ethne” (All the Nations) (1981-1992).

Articles :

Speech by the Primate of the Albanian Orthodox Church at the final session of the Bishops’ Council (2 December, 2017) [Greetings and addresses]

Welcome address of His Beatitude Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana and All Albania (29 April, 2018) [Greetings and addresses]

The Primate of the Albanian Church on the situation in the Orthodox world in connection with the actions of the Patriarchate of Constantinople in Ukraine (26 November, 2018) [Article]

[Letter of His Beatitude Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana and All Albania to Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, 14 January, 2019] [Documents]

Letter of His Beatitude Anastasios, Archbishop of Tirana and All Albania, to His Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople (21 March, 2019) [Documents]

Condolences from His Beatitude Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana in connection with the terrorist attack in Crocus City Hall (24 March, 2024) [Greetings and addresses]

Academia.edu "Anastasios Yannoulatos Modern Day Apostle" by Luke Veronis

He also wrote 240 treatises and studies, for example :

“Byzantium, missionary work” (1964)

“The Purpose and Motive of Mission” (1965)

“Types of Priests of African Holy Kingdoms” (1968)

“Les Missions des Eglises d’Orient” (1972)

“Die Mystik in Byzanz” (1983)

“Eastern Orthodoxy and Human Rights” (1984)

“The Dialogue with Islam from an Orthodox Perspective” (1986, Greek 1991, English 1996)

“Your Will be done: Mission in Christ’s Way” (1989)

“Hinduism and Education” (1990)

“African Religions” (1992)

“Buddhism” (1992)

“Religion” (1992)

“Mysticism” (1992)

“Tradition and vision of peaceful coexistence of religious communities in Albania” (1993)

“Facing People of Other Faiths – From an Orthodox Point of View” (1993)

“A Church in Long-Term Multifaceted Persecution” (1996)

“Man and Nature in the Great Religions” (1996)

“Die Mission der orthodoxen Kirche” (1997)

“The Global Vision of Proclaiming the Gospel” (1997)

“Orthodoxy faces the third millennium” (2000)

“Orthodoxy before the rapid development of the sciences” (2002)

“Problems and Prospects of Inter-religious Dialogue” (2003)

“The timeless contribution of faith in the building of Europe” (2004)

“Christians in a Multi-Religious United Europe” (2007)

In addition, he published the Catechetical aids : “Divine Messages” (1960, 1978), which was also published in Albanian “Mesazhe Hyjnore”, Tiranë 2009 ; “Faith and Life” (1961, 1982) ; “Spiritual Journey” (1962, 1981) ; and over 150 articles and other texts.

He published texts in Greek, and in English, and he directed the magazine “Poreuthentes” (1960-1970), and the magazine “Panda ta Ethni” (1981-1992). He was a member of the editorial board and responsible for the section “Religion and Education” of the Educational Psychological Encyclopedia (1992).

Finally, he was a special consultant in the compilation of the volume Religions of the Educational Greek Encyclopedia. Contributing Editor at the International Bulletin of Missionary Research (New Haven, Connecticut, USA), and member of the Board of Consultants of the International Review of Mission (Geneva).

Many of his texts have been published in 140 foreign languages.