In a recent development, the Orthodox Church of Albania has selected Joan Pelushi as its new spiritual head, filling the position left vacant by the late Archbishop Anastasios, who passed away in January. Archbishop Anastasios was celebrated for his pivotal role in revitalizing the church after the collapse of communist rule in 1990. Following a concise 40-minute session, the Holy Synod, which consists of seven members, acknowledged the tolling of bells to announce their decision. Joan, who was serving as the metropolitan of Korca, has now assumed the role of archbishop of Tirana, Durres, and all of Albania, along with leading the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania. Two bishops were excluded from the decision-making process due to their Greek nationality, as per the church’s regulations.
“I accept this sacred responsibility with humility and pledge to fulfill my duties diligently,” Joan declared before signing the synod’s decision. Earlier, he conducted Mass at the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ, a prominent church located in the heart of Tirana. The Orthodox Church of Albania has been autocephalous since September 1922, having previously been under the jurisdiction of the archbishopric of Ohrid and the patriarchate of Constantinople.
Joan Pelushi, now 69 years old, initially served at the Tirana Psychiatric Hospital until the fall of communism. His pursuit of religious studies led him to the United States, where he attended the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. Upon his return to Albania in 1994, Joan was ordained as a priest and contributed academically at the church’s Theology University. He furthered his education at the same institution in Boston and became the metropolitan of Korca in 1998, overseeing the southeastern regions of Pogradec, Devoll, and Kolonje, which are adjacent to Greece.
Throughout his career, Joan has translated and published numerous religious works. Moreover, he has represented Albania on international religious platforms and delivered lectures on topics spanning theology, history, and philosophy. The church acknowledges his extensive contributions beyond religious spheres, emphasizing cultural, scientific, and humanitarian efforts, alongside nurturing inter-religious dialogue and patriotic education.
It’s noteworthy that, starting in 1967, Albania experienced a 23-year ban on all forms of religious expression, as the nation endured isolation, and the communist regime confiscated properties belonging to Islamic, Orthodox, Catholic, and other faith communities. Joan is now the sixth individual to lead the Albanian Orthodox Church.
As per the 2023 census, Orthodox Christians account for approximately 7% of Albania’s 2.4 million citizens. However, the church argues that the actual figure is higher. The Western Balkan nation has a predominantly Muslim population, with Orthodox and Catholic Christians constituting a substantial portion of the rest.
