The late Archbishop of Tirana, Durrës, and All Albania, Anastasios Yannoulatos, was laid to rest today following a grand ceremony at the “Resurrection of Christ” Cathedral in the capital, where his body will remain.

The funeral liturgy was led by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, the spiritual leader of Orthodox Christians worldwide. He recalled that the Patriarchate sent Yannoulatos to Albania in 1991, following the fall of the communist regime, to stand by the country’s suffering Orthodox community.

“His pastoral service was not without challenges; he led the Church through difficult times, yet he had the grace to choose the right collaborators and to open paths where all roads seemed closed,” Bartholomew said. “Churches, monasteries, hospitals, and much more are among his achievements. He was patient yet unwavering when the Church’s interests required it. He built the Church in accordance with divine will and will always be remembered for everything he gave to it.”

A delegation from the Vatican, led by Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, attended the ceremony alongside other religious figures, including Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem, Archbishop Ieronymos of Greece, and religious leaders from Cyprus, Alexandria, Bulgaria, Romania, and Poland.

High-ranking Albanian political figures were also present, including President Bajram Begaj, Prime Minister Edi Rama, opposition leader Sali Berisha, and Parliament Speaker Elisa Spiropali. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis attended the ceremony as well, accompanied by five ministers from his cabinet.

Mitsotakis described Yannoulatos as a “true Greek” and a “bridge” between Greece and Albania.

“It is no coincidence that today, both Greeks and Albanians, as well as people around the world, mourn him regardless of faith or belief,” he said. “He was a bridge of friendship between the two nations and a diplomat of love—a mission he fulfilled with wisdom, determination, and conscience.”

Meanwhile, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama described Yannoulatos as…

Sourc: Topchanel.tv/ Albanian