The Embassy of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta to Albania extends its heartfelt congratulations to His Beatitude Joan Pelushi, newly elected Archbishop of Tirana, Durrës, and All Albania, and Head of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania.

The election, held on Sunday by the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church of Albania, comes following the passing in January of the late Archbishop Anastasios, a figure widely revered for his tireless efforts in reviving the Church after decades of religious repression under communist rule.

Metropolitan Joan of Korça was elected after a 40-minute session of the seven-member Holy Synod. In line with the Church’s statute, two metropolitans with Greek citizenship did not participate in the vote. Upon his election, Archbishop Joan stated, “I humbly accept this high service and promise to faithfully carry out my duty.”

A respected theologian and author, Joan Pelushi, 69, has dedicated his life to the service of the Church and the Albanian people. After the fall of communism, he studied theology in the United States at the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. He returned to Albania in 1994 as a priest and lecturer, and in 1998 he was appointed Metropolitan of Korça, serving the southeastern districts of Pogradec, Devoll, and Kolonjë.

His Beatitude led the Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ in Tirana before the Synod convened.

H.E. Ambassador Stefano Palumbo and the diplomatic staff of the Embassy of the Sovereign Order of Malta to Albania wish Archbishop Joan every blessing and success in his spiritual mission. May his leadership continue to promote peace, reconciliation, and the common good in Albania.