Final farewell to Archbishop Anastas Janullatos in Tirana

Today, the final farewell was given to Archbishop Anastas Janullatos, Archbishop of Tirana, Durrës, and All Albania, who passed away on January 25th, at the age of 95. The funeral service took place at the Resurrection of Christ Cathedral in Tirana, with thousands of believers, religious leaders from around the world, representatives of various faiths, and political figures in attendance.

Prominent among those present were Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and opposition leader Sali Berisha, who were seated near each other during the ceremony. The service was led by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, the spiritual leader of Orthodox Christians worldwide.

Why is this important: Archbishop Anastas Janullatos was a transformative figure in Albania, leading the rebirth of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania over his 33-year mission. Despite facing challenges, including political tensions between Albania and Greece and skepticism about his Greek nationality, he became deeply respected for his dedication to both the church and the Albanian people. Today’s ceremony, the outpouring of grief and respect that accompanied it, in many ways marked the final acceptance of the Archbishop as a remarkable figure in Albanian history.

Context: The funeral service began with a eulogy by Patriarch Bartholomew I, who emphasized the profound loss felt by the Orthodox Church.

“The great pillar of the Orthodox Church in Albania has fallen. His passing is a deep shock for the local Church. The Mother Church, the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, will embrace the new Archbishop, whoever he may be, and support him fully in the needs of the Autocephalous Church of Albania,” said Patriarch Bartholomew.

Prime Minister Edi Rama expressed gratitude for Janullatos’ contributions to Albania, emphasizing that his name is now inseparable from the country’s history. Addressing the Orthodox community of Albania he said “You lost your Archbishop of 33 years, but you gained Anastas of Albania, a man who will now advocate for you near God. It is difficult to recall anyone else, of any nationality, who has so proudly and fully identified themselves with Albania, both in words and deeds.”

In his speech, Rama also acknowledged the frequent controversies surrounding the Archbishop, particularly regarding his Greek origins, which often became a point of political debate.

“The most contradictory passions arose in our public discourse regarding his activities. Whether he wanted to or not, he carried the burdens of our renewed neighborly conflicts, even as he worked to revive the church. This only highlights his rare stoicism, a virtue increasingly uncommon in a world where too many are swayed by the winds of change,” Rama added.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis paid tribute to Janullatos as a unifying figure between Albania and Greece.

“The Archbishop was always a bridge of friendship between our peoples and a channel of communication between our states. His passing leaves behind an irreplaceable void, not only where he served but wherever the heart of Hellenism beats,” Mitsotakis said.

Personal reflections: The Archbishop’s niece, Roksani Janullatos, shared a deeply personal sentiment, underscoring his love for Albania and its people. “You all know how much he loved the people he lived among for over 30 years—the people of Albania, the country that became his second homeland,” she said.

Background: Anastas Janullatos served as the Archbishop of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania for over three decades, playing a crucial role in its reconstruction after decades of religious persecution under communism. Despite political pressures and opposition, he became a revered spiritual leader in Albania and across Orthodox communities worldwide.

In accordance with Orthodox tradition, Archbishop Janullatos’ body will be laid to rest in a specially designated area within the Resurrection of Christ Cathedral in Tirana.