News which touched the hearts of all the faithful
Recently the news spread that His Beatitude Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana, Durres, and all Albania had contracted the coronavirus. Naturally this has touched the hearts of all the faithful, who wish and pray for His quick recovery. This was quickly picked up on by the media which transmitted the news together with the Archbishop’s heartfelt words.
Throughout the news as well as in the comments, they are referring to his figure as a church hierarch and scientist and discussing his extraordinary efforts, emphasizing in particular the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania’s restauration from the dust of atheism, which is the Archbishop’s highest achievement in his precious contribution of apostolic work towards the people.
Shortly before leaving Tirana for the Annunciation Hospital in Athens, Archbishop Anastasios said, among other things: “… I think that participating, even in this way, in the common pain, is a Gift from God. We should not always face it as something difficult. There are some light symptoms and the difficulty was greater. I have a sort of weakness in the lungs, having had asthma for many years. I believe we will pass it. Yesterday there were chills, but today we are well. This afternoon I believe I will be at Annunciation, a hospital which we know well since we have also faced difficulties other times and overcome them. So do not get discouraged or upset, it will pass. ‘For whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.’ And these words are a big consolation for all of us.”
The Archbishop has received many wishes for his quick recovery from the faithful and well known people in the country, church primates and hierarchs from abroad. Below is the message from the Ecumenical Patriarch.
Dear Archbishop and Brother,
Let our prayers accompany you during your flight and your treatment in the hospital which we wish to be short and successful. We love you and the Church needs you. We hope that you will still continue your creative and helpful contribution towards Christianity and humanity for the grace of God. May you recover soon, your Beatitude.
Embracing you with brotherly greetings in Christ,
Patriarch Bartholomew
