
The Holy Synod today elected Archbishop Anstas' successor as head of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania.
After today's meeting, the new Archbishop of the Albanian Orthodox Church is His Grace, Joan Pelushi.
Bishop Jaoni also gave a short speech, while being applauded by dozens of believers present.
"With humility, in obedience to the divine will, I accept this high service and promise to carry out my duty with devotion. I will respect the sacred tradition and will strive with all my might to defend the rights of the church. Aware of the weight of this responsibility, I pray to Christ, the founder of the church, to give me enlightenment, strength and wisdom to fulfill this mission. With my own hand I sign this pledge. I pray that God will always protect our Church," said Bishop Joan.
A ceremony was held next, attended by believers, leaders of the Orthodox metropolitans of Albania, and other guests.
His Grace Joani was welcomed with a special ceremony and entered the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ, while its bells and those of all Orthodox churches in Albania rang simultaneously in honor of this historic moment. He will succeed Archbishop Anastasios, who passed away in January of this year, in this high office.