The General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, Jeryy Pillay, congratulates His Beatitude Joanin

2025-03-19 12:12:00, Aktualitet CNA

The General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, Jeryy Pillay,

The Secretary General of the World Council of Churches, Rev. Prof. Dr. Jerry Pillay, has sent a message of congratulations from Geneva on the election of the Archbishop of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania, His Grace Joanin.

In his message, Pillay conveys his warmest congratulations and may God guide and empower him in his new ministry to lead believers in Albania and beyond.

Pillay considers the election of Bishop Joan as evidence of his profound theological wisdom.

Pillay says that Bishop Joan's ministry begins at a time when the world is in great need of hope, healing, and reconciliation.

Pillay adds that under the leadership of Bishop Joan, the Orthodox Church of Albania will continue to be a guiding light of faith, love and service.

"Your Excellency,

On behalf of the World Council of Churches (WCC), I extend my warmest congratulations on your election as Archbishop of Tirana, Durrës and all Albania. May the grace of our Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, guide and empower your new ministry to lead the faithful and bear witness to the Gospel of Christ in Albania and beyond.

Your election as Primate of the Church of Albania is a testament to your profound theological wisdom, unwavering faith and tireless service to the Orthodox Church of Albania. We are particularly grateful for your active contribution to the ecumenical movement and for your long-standing engagement with the World Council of Churches. Your participation in inter-Christian dialogue, especially in strengthening understanding between the Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches, as well as between the Orthodox and Oriental Churches, has had a significant impact on promoting Christian unity.

The engagement of the Orthodox Church of Albania in the ecumenical movement is a blessing to the World Council of Churches, especially through the profound theological, pastoral and spiritual leadership of the late Archbishop Anastasios. His unwavering commitment to the Gospel and his extraordinary contributions to the revival of the Church in Albania remain an enduring legacy. As you take on this archiepiscopal responsibility, we pray that you will continue the good work in leading the Church and in strengthening the commitment to Christian unity.

Your ministry begins at a time when the world is in great need of hope, healing, and reconciliation. We believe that, under your leadership, the Orthodox Church of Albania will continue to be a guiding light of faith, love, and service, reflecting the light of Christ to all. May your ministry become a mission of peace, renewal, and steadfast witness to the transforming power of the Gospel.

Be assured of our prayers and support as you lead the Church faithfully to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for the glory of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. May the Lord grant you wisdom, strength, and many blessed years in your holy ministry.

AXIOS!

With warmest wishes and blessings,

Rev. Prof. Dr. Jerry Pillay

Secretary General

"World Council of Churches," the message reads. /CNA