In the 14th edition of the International Book Fair in Thessaloniki, the presence and the word of His Beatitude Anastasios, Archbishop of Tirana, Durres and All Albania, was considered to be the most important event by Mr. Paskalis Qitromilidhis, Professor of Political Sciences at the University of Athens and one of the most famous personalities in the Hellenic academic world. This exhibition is one of the most demanding and qualitative cultural and intellectual environments and the meeting of the two intellectual figures in it, such as Archbishop Anastasios and Prof. Qitromilidhis was considered by the press and critics as a lucky coincidence for the exchange of messages and ideas in the field of philosophical thinking and social development.
On Saturday afternoon, May 13, Prof. Qitromilidhis introduced to the vast public the honorary personality of the 2017 Edition that is Archbishop Anastasios, presenting his life and scientific work. He divided the work of Archbishop Anastasios in three major categories: Religionism, which involves his original and in-depth research; Ierapostolism, as one of the most prominent and widely known fields and Ecumenism involving experiences of human problems and solidarity shown towards humanity.
Archbishop Anastasios thanked the audience for their presence, the friendly atmosphere and their interest in listening to the spiritual words and intellectual meditation for which Thessaloniki was always spotted. Then he continued to illustrate his rich life experience, his scientific research and didactics, as well as his pastoral care and the testimony of the Orthodox ierapostolism. His lecture was filled with ideas about missionarism and the endless opportunities of the Orthodox to follow it.
The next day, on Sunday, May 14th, at the Hall of Aristotle Theater of Thessaloniki, which was unusually packed with people (more than 1500 people attended the event according to the organizers), the En Pllo Publishing House organized the presentation of the latest book by Archbishop Anastasios: “Egrigorsi – Chreos Tone Christianon” (The Awakening: A Christians’ Duty). The presence of the author himself, served not only to attract more people to formally participate in the event, but also to give them the opportunity to profoundly experience the ideas that Archbishop Anastasios unfolded in his lecture on the occasion.
At the beginning of the promotional activity, the publisher Mr. Alexandros Karavanis took his word emphasizing that with his reputation, Archbishop Anastasios barricades on fanaticism, lines of division, social polarization, and etno-racism, and he highlighted the apostolic nuance of His work.
The book was also referred to by Mr. Jeorjios Papajeorjio, Prof. of Surgery, who made a general evaluation of the text, with special references to its chapters. The Professor of Theology of the Aristotelian University, Mr. Harallambos Atmatzidhis, approached the text from the biblical theologian point of view; whereas Mr. Kristos Tsironis, Professor of the same Faculty, interpreted the social aspect of the writer’s observations in the work.
The Professor of Pimantics and Social Theology at the Aristotelian University of Thessaloniki, Mr. Theodhoros Jango analyzed and talked about the other book of Archbishop Anastasios, “The Canonic Upbringing of the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania.”
Among prolonged applause, Archbishop Anastasios greeted the participants, encouraging them to experience in depth the treasure of faith in the risen Lord Jesus Christ, to preserve the immense wisdom of humility, and especially to maintain the desire for social contribution and solidarity.
Finally, a brief documentary was presented to the audience about the great multidimensional work done for the resurrection of the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania from the ashes of the atheistic persecution. The event lasted beyond expectations, due to the desire of the participants to greet Archbishop Anastasios and to receive his blessing and in turn he stopped to honor each of them.
