“It is with sadness that I say goodbye today to the blessed Archbishop of Albania Anastasios, a bright example of spirituality with a profound social and theological work. A leading figure of the church and of Hellenism who boldly always spread the universal values ​​of solidarity and love, in the face of hatred and nationalism”, notes former Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras in his condolence message on the death of Archbishop Anastasios of Albania.

Al. Tsipras speaks of “a spiritual leader with international influence who with his contribution to Africa, his support for the students of the occupation of Law against the Junta, his historic role in the revival of the Orthodox Church of Albania and the projects he supported in the neighboring our country, his active role in interreligious dialogue, his support for the rights of the Greek National Minority and for peace and cooperation in the Balkans, gave a universal message that is today more important than ever”.

“I feel honored that as prime minister I had the opportunity to have a sincere and constructive cooperation with him that brought significant fruits to the work of the Church of Albania. But an even greater honor that I was lucky enough to maintain an honest dialogue with him, an essential and human communication, beyond and outside positions and positions”, concludes Al. Tsipras.f