1. Brief Biography of His Eminence Nikolla, Metropolitan of Apollonia and Fieri.
His Eminence Nikolla (Hyka), Metropolitan of Apollonia and Fieri, was born on January 26, 1972 in Zhupan in Fieri.
In 2000, he finished his theological studies at the “Resurrection of Christ” Theological Academy in St. Vlash, Durres with excellent grades. From 2002 to 2006, he studied at the Theological Faculty of the University of Athens and graduated with honors. In 2015, he pursued his graduate studies at Aristotle University in Thessaloniki where he had an exellent performance.
He was ordained a deacon by His Beatitude Anastasios, Archbishop of Tirana, Durres and all Albania, on April 16, 2000, a priest on May 24, 2002 and then a bishop on November 19, 2006.
Since 2006 he has been the Director in charge at the”Resurrection of Christ” Theological Academy in St. Vlash, Durres. He has also been a member of the Central Committee of the World Council of Churches since 2012, and has represented the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania in several inter-Christian and interfaith meetings.
2. Brief Biography of His Eminence Andon, Metropolitan of Elbasan.
His Eminence Andon (Merdani), Metropolitan of Elbasan, Shpati and Librazhdi was born on December 7, 1969 in Tirana.
He studied at “Resurrection of Christ” Theological Academy in St. Vlash, Durres, from 1996 to 1999. He continued his studies in the Theological Faculty of Kapodistria National University in Athens (2002-2006) where he graduated with honors. He earned a Master’s Degree in New Testament in the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki as well as a Master’ Degree in Sociology , Psychology & Communication in ISSAT Higher Education Institution. He has also graduated from UBIS University in Geneva.
He was ordained a monk and a deacon by His Eminence Joan, Metropolitan of Korca in 2000 and later a priest on November 21, 2002 by His Beatitude Anastasios, Archbishop of Tirana, Durres and all Albania. On November 21, 2006 he was ordained Bishop of Kruja and served as Assistant to the Archbishop and Protosyngel in the Archdiocese of Tirana.
He is a member of “Spirit of Love” Foundation Board, a member of the executive board of the Annunciation Orthodox Clinic Foundation, a member of the Interfaith Committee in Albania and has also taught at “Resurrection of Christ” Theological Academy from 2006 to 2012. He has participated in several conferences, meetings and activities, representing the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania.
3. Brief Biography of His Eminence Nathanail, Metropolitan of Amantia.
His Eminence Nathaniel (Stergiu), Metropolitan of Amantia was born in Taksiarha (Trikala) in 1957. He finished Athoniadha High School in Mount Athos in 1978 and the Theological Faculty of Aristotle University in Thessaloniki in 1982.
He was ordained a monk at the Holy Monastery of Great Lavra in Mount Athos in 1979. Later he was ordained a deacon in 1982 and a priest in 1987 by His Eminence Chrysostom, Bishop of Rodostoli. In January 2012, he was ordained Bishop of the Ancient Holy Episcopate of Amantia by His Beatitude Anastasios, Archbishop of Tirana, Durres and all Albania.
He has served as a parish priest, spiritual father, and preacher in the Holy Metropolis of Gjirokastra as well as a teacher at Holy Cross Church Lycée in Gjirokastra. He is a member of the executive board of the Annunciation Orthodox Clinic Foundation.
On April 7, 2016, His Eminence Nathanail, Bishop of Amantia was elected to the grade of Metropolitan of Amantia. At present, he also performs the duty of the Archsecretary of the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania.
Translated by: Juljana Kodheli
