The Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania
Announcement
Two new Metropolises are established: The Metropolis of Apollonia and Fieri and the Metropolis of Elbasan, which are complemented by new Metropolitans
The Holy Synod of the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania, in its meeting dated on April 7, 2016, under the headship of His Beatitude Anastasios, Archbishop of Tirana, Durres and all Albania decided the following:
Firstly, the Holy Synod ratified the improvements made to the Statute, which was approved by the Clergy-Laity Council and Clergy-Laity Assembly on March 11-12, 2016.
Secondly, it decided the establishment of two new Metropolises: 1. The Holy Metropolis of Apolonia and Fieri, which involves the areas of Patos and Libofshe, and which were separated from the Metropolis of Berat, Kanina and Vlora. 2. The Holy Metropolis of Elbasan, which involves the areas of Elbasan, Shpati and Librazhdi, and which were separated from the Archdiocese of Tirana and Durres.
Thirdly, in accordance with the Statute and upon the proposal of the Clergy-Laity Church Council, decisions were taken to fulfill the vacancies in the above newly created Metropolises by regular ballot. His Eminence Nikolla (Hyka), also Bishop of Apolonia and Director of the Orthodox Theological Academy “Resurrection of Christ” in St. Vlash in Durres was elected as head of the Metropolis of Apolonia and Fieri. And His Eminence Andon (Merdani), also Bishop of Kruje, who had prior been a Protosyngel of the Holy Archdiocese, was elected as head of the Metropolis of Elbasan. His Eminence Andon has finished the Theological Academy “Resurrection of Christ” and the Theological Faculty of the University of Athens, and has also received Master Degrees.
In addition, His Eminence, Nathanail (Stergiou), Bishop of Amantia was elected to the grade of Metropolitan of Amantia. He was graduated in Aristoteli Theological University in Thessaloniki. At present, he also performs the duty of the Arch-secretary of the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania.
Finally, the relevant messages were delivered at the Holy Trinity Chapel of the Synod Center of the Church.
The Arch-secretary of the Holy Synod
April 8, 2016
