Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania elects its new archbishop
His Eminence Joan Pelushi has been elected as the new Archbishop of Tirana, Durrës, and All Albania, succeeding the late Archbishop Anastasios. The Holy Synod of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania convened to select its new leader, marking a historic moment as this is the first time in over three decades that a new Archbishop has been chosen. Church bells rang across Orthodox cathedrals in Albania to announce the decision, as clergy and believers gathered in prayer.
Why this is important: The election of His Eminence Joan Pelushi represents a new chapter for the Albanian Orthodox Church, which was revived from decades of persecution under communist rule by Archbishop Anastasios. The transition of leadership is particularly significant as Pelushi is the first Albanian-born Archbishop to lead the Church since its restoration. His appointment fulfills Archbishop Anastasios’s final wish that a native Albanian cleric take on this role.
Context: Following the announcement, the Archbishop delivered a brief address, in which he expressed his deep sense of responsibility for leading the Church:
“With humility, submitting to the divine will, I accept this high service and pledge to fulfill my duty with devotion. I will uphold the sacred tradition and strive to protect the rights of the Church with unwavering commitment. Fully aware of the weight of this responsibility, I pray to Christ, the founder of the Church, to grant me enlightenment, strength, and wisdom to carry out this mission. With my own hand, I sign this commitment.”
The Holy Synod convened for the decision after the Divine Liturgy, a service in which believers prayed for the Synod members to choose the right leader. The election took place on the second day of Lent, a period of deep spiritual reflection for Orthodox Christians.
A grand enthronement ceremony is scheduled for March 29, when His Eminence Joan Pelushi will be officially installed as Archbishop of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania.
Who is the new Archbishop: Born in Tirana on January 2, 1956, His Eminence Joan Pelushi was secretly baptized during Albania’s period of religious persecution, an era when all faith practices were banned by the communist regime. He pursued theological studies in the United States, earning a Master of Theological Studies and later a Master of Theology with High Distinction from the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Boston.
Returning to Albania in 1992, he played a crucial role in rebuilding the Orthodox Church, working closely with Archbishop Anastasios. He was ordained as a priest in 1994, later becoming Metropolitan of Korçë in 1998, a position he has held for more than 25 years.
A respected theologian and academic, His Eminence Joan Pelushi has translated and authored numerous theological works, including the first Dogmatics textbook in Albanian. He also founded the theological and cultural journal “Tempulli”, which has become a leading publication in Orthodox and Albanological studies.
For his contributions, he has been recognized with the “Doctor Honoris Causa” by Fan S. Noli University in Korçë and honored by the Municipality of Tirana for his role in promoting religious harmony and cultural heritage.
His election as Archbishop of Tirana, Durrës, and All Albania signifies continuity and stability for the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania, as he steps into the role of leading the Church into a new era.
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