On Monday, July 23, 2018, on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of his enthronement as Metropolitan of Korça, His Eminence Joan was honored with the Doctor Honoris Causa Award by Fan Noli University in Korca. The motivation letter was read by Prof. dr. Ali Jashari, the Rector of the University who also handed over the award to the Metropolitan. The following sentence was stated in the motivational letter: “A distinguished personality of the spiritual and religious world, a humanist, translator and publisher”. The ceremony was attended by local authorities, pedagogues, students, clergy and faithful. Bishop Joan has been previously proclaimed “Honorary Citizen” of the city of Korça.
Later, after extending his thanks for being granted such an award and honor, His Eminence Joan read out his word, which was also published in “Tempulli” magazine. In the end, within a beautiful atmosphere created by the music of the traditional “Lira” band, attendees congratulated His Eminence Joan.
His Eminence Joan was elected Metropolitan of Korça during the first meeting of the newly established Synod of the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania on July 18, 1998. He was ordained bishop at the Annunciation church in Tirana on July 20, 1998 by Archbishop Anastasios, His Eminence Ignat and a Metropolitan representative of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. On July 25th, his enthronement as Metropolitan of Korca took place in the Cathedral Church of Korca within a festive atmosphere of joy.
