34 years since the election as Ecumenical Patriarch of His Holiness Bartholomew/ Role also in the Albanian Autocephalous Orthodox Church

2025-10-22 16:21:00, Aktualitet CNA

34 years since the election as Ecumenical Patriarch of His Holiness Bartholomew/

Today marks 34 years since the election of His Holiness, His Holiness Bartholomew as the 270th Patriarch of Constantinople, New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch.

On October 22, 199, with this election, the history of the Orthodox Church took a new direction. The decision of the Holy Permanent Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate to elect the Metropolitan of Chalcedon came at a sensitive time for World Orthodoxy and especially for the Churches emerging from decades of communist repression in the countries of Eastern Europe, including the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania.

In his first statement after his election, His Holiness Bartholomew emphasized that what is lacking in 20th-century man, despite his incredible achievements, is love. He promised that his entire pastoral ministry would be built on works of love, unity, and devotion to the Holy Church of Christ.

Through a special announcement, the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania has shared a message on the works and piety of Patriarch Bartholomew.

During his 34 years of tireless ministry, Patriarch Bartholomew has demonstrated his commitment to this vision in action. He has guided the Ecumenical Patriarchate with wisdom, transforming it into a center of dialogue, peace, and reconciliation, being a powerful spiritual voice not only for the Orthodox world, but for all of humanity.

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has played an extraordinary role in recognizing and supporting the rebirth of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania, after decades of atheistic persecution. He has shown continued support for His Beatitude, Blessed Archbishop Anastasios, from the first days of his mission in Albania, appreciating his extraordinary contribution to the revival of church life. In the continuation of this close fraternal relationship, the Ecumenical Patriarch has visited Albania, testifying to his love for our people and strengthening spiritual ties with our Autocephalous Church. These visits have been historic and unforgettable moments that have inspired the faithful and deepened cooperation between the two Churches.

Finally, on June 13-17, 2025, on the occasion of the official visit of the delegation of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania to Phanar, the Ecumenical Patriarch organized a magnificent reception for His Beatitude, Archbishop Joan, Archbishop of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania, and the delegation that accompanied him, once again showing his special love and appreciation.

During His speech to our Archbishop John, among other things, He emphasized: “Welcome, Your Beatitude, to Constantinople, to the Phanar! “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” You have not come to a foreign land! You have come to your home! To the house of your Mother!

… For a long time, then, you have not only been known to us, but also very close and especially dear to all! We have known you, Your Beatitude, for many years as the most trusted and most precious collaborator of your late predecessor, the unforgettable and inimitable Archbishop Anastasius, the new Apostle of Albania! Together you have endured with great patience the heat of the day and the cold of the night for more than thirty difficult years!

… You are distinguished by manliness and courage, by nobility and honesty, by profound theological knowledge, spiritual formation, a keen mind and a divine zeal for the ministry. You are characterized by tireless dedication, devout loyalty to the foundations of ecclesiastical tradition and canonical order, as well as great and self-sacrificing love for your people, for your fellow bishops and collaborators, for your blessed homeland. Your horizons are open and broad, and in many ways you have proven that you are a “chosen vessel” of the Holy Spirit, “to make the name of the Lord known before the Gentiles and kings” (Acts 9:15).

During the visit, the importance of the mission of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania, interfaith dialogue and its contribution to peace and coexistence in the region were emphasized.

Today's anniversary is not just a remembrance of a historic day, but a call for reflection and thanksgiving to the Holy Trinity for the gift of His leadership. /CNA