The body of Archbishop Anastasios of Albania, who reposed yesterday at the age of 95, lies in state today, Sunday, January 26th at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens for public homage. A Divine Liturgy was celebrated in front of the late Archbishop’s remains, led by Metropolitan Hierotheos of Nafpaktos and Agios Vlasios. This was followed by a memorial service conducted by Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece.

Among those present at the Divine Liturgy were the President of the Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou; Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis; Speaker of the Hellenic Parliament, Nikitas Kaklamanis; PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis; the leader of the NIKI party, Dimitris Natsios; Mayor of Athens Haris Doukas; Member of the European Parliament Freddy Beleri; Olympic champion Pyrros Dimas; and members of Parliament.

The Archbishop’s body will remain in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens until the early hours of Monday, when it will be transported to Albania for the continuation of funeral rites.

The late Archbishop Anastasios will be laid to rest in the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ in the center of Tirana, in accordance with his expressed wishes. Preparations for his burial site had already been made, and his body will lie in state in Tirana for public homage, where the official ceremonies will also take place.

Archbishop Anastasios leaves behind a legacy of profound contributions to Orthodox Christianity. His missionary work extended to various African nations, and he was a staunch advocate for peaceful coexistence among communities of differing religious and ideological backgrounds.