Latest news with #HolySynod
Al-Ahram Weekly
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt's Coptic Orthodox Church congratulates Catholic church on election of Pope Leo XIV - Foreign Affairs
The Coptic Orthodox Church, led by Pope Tawadros II and its Holy Synod, congratulated the global Catholic Church on the election of Cardinal Robert Francis as the 267th Pope of the Vatican. On Thursday, Robert Francis Prevost became the first pope from the United States after cardinals worldwide elected him to lead the Catholic Church's 1.4 billion followers, taking the name Leo XIV. 'We pray that the Lord may grant him grace and wisdom in leading the Catholic Church, support him in the immense responsibilities required of the one seated on the Apostolic See of Rome, enable him to bear witness to Christ everywhere, and uphold true faith values and authentic Christian principles,' read the Coptic Orthodox Church's statement. Pope Leo XIV succeeded Pope Francis, who died on 21 April at the age of 88. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
The Independent
29-03-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Albania's Orthodox Church inaugurates its new Archbishop Joan
Albania's Orthodox Church on Saturday held an inauguration ceremony for its new Archbishop Joan, who succeeded Archbishop Anastasios following his death in January. The ceremony was held at the Cathedral of Resurrection of Christ in downtown Tirana, formally launching Joan's leadership as the archbishop of Tirana, Durres and all of Albania and also head of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania. Earlier this month a seven-member Holy Synod unanimously elected Joan, the metropolitan of Korca, in the post left vacant after Anastasios' death in January. Albania's religious leaders, top officials and politicians, Orthodox religious leaders from around the world, a Vatican representative and Greece 's ministers of defense and social cohesion attended the ceremony. Hundreds of faithful packed into the cathedral. Bishop Nikolla of Apollonia and Fieri, speaking on behalf of the Holy Synod, said that Joan would continue 'preserving religious harmony and co-existence,' like his predecessor Anastasios, who resuscitated the country's church after the fall of communism. 'Albania's Autocephalous Orthodox Church wants to live in peace with all,' said Archbishop Joan, adding that religious co-existence but should be 'defended and further enriched.' Albanian President Bajram Begaj said the ceremony sends a message 'that transcends borders of faith and invites all goodwill citizens in building up a fairer, more humble, more united and fraternal society." The Orthodox Church of Albania was declared autocephalous in September in 1922, ending its subordination to the archbishopric of Ohrid and the patriarchate of Constantinople. Archbishop Joan, 69, born Fatmir Pelushi, grew up in a Muslim family. He was secretly baptized in 1979 by priest Kosmas Kyrios, who later became the bishop of Apollonia. All forms of religion were banned in Albania for 23 years starting in 1967, when the country was completely isolated from the outside world and the communists seized the property of Islamic, Orthodox, Catholic and other churches. Joan, whose family was persecuted by the communists, joined a small underground church group. He worked at the Tirana Psychiatric Hospital until 1990, when the communist leadership collapsed. In 1990, he fled to Italy and then to Boston, where he studied at the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. In 1992, when Albanians fled the poor country en masse, Joan contacted Archbishop Anastasios offering his return to contribute to the church's reconstruction. He is the sixth head of the Albanian Orthodox Church. According to the 2023 census, Orthodox believers in Albania make up about 7% of the 2.4 million population, although the church says the actual number is higher. The tiny Western Balkan country is about half Muslim, followed by the Catholics, Orthodox and other religious communities and nonbelievers, who all live in harmony. ___ Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP's collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Albania's Orthodox Church inaugurates its new Archbishop Joan
TIRANA, Albania (AP) — Albania's Orthodox Church on Saturday held an inauguration ceremony for its new Archbishop Joan, who succeeded Archbishop Anastasios following his death in January. The ceremony was held at the Cathedral of Resurrection of Christ in downtown Tirana, formally launching Joan's leadership as the archbishop of Tirana, Durres and all of Albania and also head of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania. Earlier this month a seven-member Holy Synod unanimously elected Joan, the metropolitan of Korca, in the post left vacant after Anastasios' death in January. Albania's religious leaders, top officials and politicians, Orthodox religious leaders from around the world, and Greek religious and defense ministers were present at the ceremony. Bishop Nikolla of Apollonia and Fieri, speaking on behalf of the Holy Synod, said that Joan would continue 'preserving religious harmony and co-existence,' like his predecessor Anastasios, who resuscitated the country's church after the fall of communism. The Orthodox Church of Albania was declared autocephalous in September in 1922, ending its subordination to the archbishopric of Ohrid and the patriarchate of Constantinople. Archbishop Joan, 69, born Fatmir Pelushi, grew up in a Muslim family. He was secretly baptized in 1979 by priest Kosmas Kyrios, who later became the bishop of Apollonia. All forms of religion were banned in Albania for 23 years starting in 1967, when the country was completely isolated from the outside world and the communists seized the property of Islamic, Orthodox, Catholic and other churches. Joan, whose family was persecuted by the communists, joined a small underground church group. He worked at the Tirana Psychiatric Hospital until 1990, when the communist leadership collapsed. In 1990, he fled to Italy and then to Boston, where he studied at the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. In 1992, when Albanians fled the poor country en masse, Joan contacted Archbishop Anastasios offering his return to contribute to the church's reconstruction. He is the sixth head of the Albanian Orthodox Church. According to the 2023 census, Orthodox believers in Albania make up about 7% of the 2.4 million population, although the church says the actual number is higher. The tiny Western Balkan country is about half Muslim, followed by the Catholics, Orthodox and other religious communities and nonbelievers, who all live in harmony. ___ Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP's collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
Associated Press
29-03-2025
- Politics
- Associated Press
Albania's Orthodox Church inaugurates its new Archbishop Joan
TIRANA, Albania (AP) — Albania's Orthodox Church on Saturday held an inauguration ceremony for its new Archbishop Joan, who succeeded Archbishop Anastasios following his death in January. The ceremony was held at the Cathedral of Resurrection of Christ in downtown Tirana, formally launching Joan's leadership as the archbishop of Tirana, Durres and all of Albania and also head of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania. Earlier this month a seven-member Holy Synod unanimously elected Joan, the metropolitan of Korca, in the post left vacant after Anastasios' death in January. Albania's religious leaders, top officials and politicians, Orthodox religious leaders from around the world, and Greek religious and defense ministers were present at the ceremony. Bishop Nikolla of Apollonia and Fieri, speaking on behalf of the Holy Synod, said that Joan would continue 'preserving religious harmony and co-existence,' like his predecessor Anastasios, who resuscitated the country's church after the fall of communism. The Orthodox Church of Albania was declared autocephalous in September in 1922, ending its subordination to the archbishopric of Ohrid and the patriarchate of Constantinople. Archbishop Joan, 69, born Fatmir Pelushi, grew up in a Muslim family. He was secretly baptized in 1979 by priest Kosmas Kyrios, who later became the bishop of Apollonia. All forms of religion were banned in Albania for 23 years starting in 1967, when the country was completely isolated from the outside world and the communists seized the property of Islamic, Orthodox, Catholic and other churches. Joan, whose family was persecuted by the communists, joined a small underground church group. He worked at the Tirana Psychiatric Hospital until 1990, when the communist leadership collapsed. In 1990, he fled to Italy and then to Boston, where he studied at the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. In 1992, when Albanians fled the poor country en masse, Joan contacted Archbishop Anastasios offering his return to contribute to the church's reconstruction. He is the sixth head of the Albanian Orthodox Church. According to the 2023 census, Orthodox believers in Albania make up about 7% of the 2.4 million population, although the church says the actual number is higher. The tiny Western Balkan country is about half Muslim, followed by the Catholics, Orthodox and other religious communities and nonbelievers, who all live in harmony.
Yahoo
16-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Albania's Orthodox church elects new leader, Archbishop Joan
TIRANA, Albania (AP) — Albania's Orthodox Church on Sunday elected Joan Pelushi as its new leader following the death in January of Archbishop Anastasios, who had revived the church after the fall of communism in 1990. After a 40-minute meeting, the bells rang to note that the seven-member Holy Synod elected Joan, the metropolitan of Korca, as the archbishop of Tirana, Durres and all of Albania and also head of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania. Two metropolitans among them were excluded due to their Greek citizenship, in line with the statute of the church. 'I humbly accept this high service and promise to faithfully carry out my duty,' Joan said before signing the decision of the synod. He earlier led Mass at the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ in downtown Tirana. The Orthodox Church of Albania was declared autocephalous in September in 1922, after it had been subordinated to the archbishopric of Ohrid and the patriarchate of Constantinople. Joan Pelushi, 69, worked at the Tirana Psychiatric Hospital until 1990, when the communist leadership collapsed. He studied in the United States at the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. In 1994 he returned to Albania and became a priest and lectured at the church's Theology University. Following more studies at the same university in Boston, in 1998 Joan became metropolitan of Korca, which also included the southeastern districts of Pogradec, Devoll and Kolonje, close to Greece. Joan has translated and published many religious books. He has represented the country in international religious activities and has lectured on theology, history and philosophy. 'His contribution is not valid only in cultural, scientific and humanitarian areas, but also in strengthening the coexistence, inter-religious dialogue and patriotic education,' the church wrote. All forms of religion were banned in Albania for 23 years starting in 1967, when the country was completely isolated from the outside world and the communists seized the property of Islamic, Orthodox, Catholic and other churches. Joan is the sixth head of the Albanian Orthodox Church. According to the 2023 census, Orthodox Christians in Albania make up about 7% of the country's 2.4 million population, although the church says the actual number is higher. Half the population of the Western Balkan country identifies as Muslim, with Orthodox and Catholic Christians making up much of the remainder.
