His Beatitude, Archbishop John of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania held a series of important meetings today, January 14, 2026, in Brussels, as part of his visit to European institutions.
During the day, Archbishop John met with Mr. Ferit Hoxha, Ambassador of the Republic of Albania to the European Union, Belgium and Luxembourg, as well as Permanent Representative to the Political and Security Committee. The meeting discussed important issues related to Albania’s European path and the negotiating chapters that remain to be closed. Particular attention was given to the chapter dealing with relations with religious communities, especially issues of property status and property rights.
Ambassador Hoxha expressed his gratitude and satisfaction for this meeting and promised continued communication on all issues affecting the Orthodox Church of Albania. He proposed the creation of permanent communication channels for the benefit of religious communities. It was particularly emphasized that all religious communities should be supported by the European Union, as they contribute valuably to strengthening the fundamental values of Albanian and European society. The Albanian model of religious harmony constitutes an example to be followed not only for Europe, but especially for the Balkans, where interfaith tensions are often encountered.
Later, His Beatitude John was received by Mr. Ioannis Vrailas, Permanent Representative of Greece to the European Union. Ambassador Vrailas emphasized his unwavering support for the Orthodox Church of Albania, from the time of the late Archbishop Anastasios to the worthy continuation of His Beatitude, Archbishop John. He assured that religious communities and their church properties will always be a priority on Albania’s path to European Union membership.
Solemn event at the European Parliament
In the evening, a solemn event with the theme “The Life, Work, and Legacy of the Late Archbishop Anastasios” was held at the European Parliament. His Beatitude, Archbishop John, delivered the keynote address, in which he honored the rare personality of the late Archbishop Anastasios.
In his speech, he praised the distinguished figure of his predecessor, who came to Albania in 1992, when the Orthodox Church was almost destroyed after five decades of fierce persecution by the communist regime. With vision, love and extraordinary sacrifice, Archbishop Anastasios managed to resurrect the Church from the ashes, building hundreds of churches, opening schools, hospitals and social centers, and forming a new generation of clergy and believers.
His Beatitude John emphasized that Archbishop Anastasios’s legacy lies not only in the buildings erected, but above all in the souls touched and in the model of interfaith dialogue that he established in Albania – a model that is today seen as an example for all of Europe.
This solemn event of particular importance was the first that the European Parliament has organized dedicated to the life and work of a hierarch of the Orthodox Church.
The presence of MEPs from various political groups, diplomats and representatives of European institutions testified to the high international appreciation for the extraordinary contribution of the late Archbishop Anastasios and the Orthodox Church to building democratic Albania and promoting European values.
Panelists and representatives
The panel of this solemn event included:
- Mrs. Dimitra Koukoura, Professor Emeritus of Homiletics at the Faculty of Theology of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
- Mr. Genc Pollo, former Minister of Education and Science, former Deputy Prime Minister, politician and renowned scholar
- Mr. Vangjel Dule, Member of the Parliament of Albania
- Mrs. Xanthi Morfi, Journalist, member of the Communication Commission at the World Council of Churches (WCC)
Special greetings were also delivered by Mr. Ioannis Vrailas, Permanent Representative of Greece to the EU, and MEPs Mr. Fredi Beleri (PPE), Mr. Nikos Papandreou (S&D) and Mr. Nikolaos Farantouris (Left). The Mission of the Republic of Albania to the European Union was represented by Mrs. Admira Jorgji, Minister Plenipotentiary.
Brussels, January 14, 2026
📝 Translation: AI
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