Letter of Complaint for the Misuse of the Albanian Public Television by Journalist Ilir Yzeiri.
To: Mr. Enkelejd Joti, the General Director of the Albanian Public Television
& Ms. Armela Krasniqi, the Head of the Audiovisual Media Authority
On Thursday, January 12, 2023, in the ADN show, “Janullatos and the Decline of Independence of the Albanian Orthodox Church”, by journalist Mr. Ilir Yzeiri, where Mr. Pellumb Xhufi was a guest, there were some unacceptable attacks against the Archbishop of the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania and the entire Albanian Orthodox Community.
Our concern is not about these individuals’ personal attitudes, but about their anti-orthodox tendency and their disrespectful and divisive propaganda which it is openly declared on a public television which role is the recognition and promotion of religious communities and their harmony. Not to mention the fact that the orthodox people pay taxes contributing therefore in the preservation of public TV service and for this reason they feel upset when it is used against them.
Let’s remember that:
The Orthodox Autocephalous Church and Archbishop Anastasios, who is elected according to the Holy Orthodox Canons, are both recognized as canonical and equal by all the Orthodox Churches in the world and by all the other Christian Churches and religious communities.
Archbishop Anastasios is the head of the Orthodox Community in Albania, and he is recognized, accepted and welcomed since 1992 from all the governments of our country. He has contributed to the continuation of the work of the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania (canonically recognized in 1937) and clearly stated even in the Agreement with the Albanian State that is ratified by the Assembly of Albania (Law No.10 057, dated 22.1.2009)
Archbishop Anastasios, a well-known and widely appreciated figure both in the country and abroad, is a founding member of the Interreligious Council of Albania, with a “Honor of the Nation” decoration and has always contributed to strengthen religious harmony in the country considering it a precious national asset. He is an Albanian citizen, who is awarded with the “Skënderbeu” Order and “Honorary Citizen” in Tirana and in several other cities.
Our Church and His Beatitude Archbishop Anastasios have always valued and continue the colossal work of His Eminence, Theofan Noli. Fr. Arthur Liolin who is the Chief Chancellor of the Albanian Orthodox Church in Boston, USA has claimed: “…I am sure that Noli would be friend with His Eminence Anastasios …”
With hope and convenience that you will do your best to correct these anomalies, we express our great respect and willingness to cooperate in the future too.
The Press Office of the Archiepiscopate
