OCA priest elected bishop for Constantinople’s Albanian Diocese of America

Istanbul, June 29, 2023

Photo: flasshqip.ca Photo: flasshqip.ca     

A priest formerly of the Orthodox Church in America has been elected Bishop of Philomelion to serve the Patriarchate of Constantinople’s Albanian Diocese of America.

The previous ruling hierarch, Metropolitan Ilia (Katre), reposed in the Lord in October.

The election ceremony of Archimandrite Theophan (Koja) was held in the Patriarchate yesterday:

​

Fr. Theophan was born in Albania in 1966. He received his theological education in Romania, and was serving in the Orthodox Church in America’s Romanian Orthodox Episcopate.

He put himself forwards as a candidate for bishop of the OCA’s own Albanian Archdiocese, but the Holy Synod elected Igumen Nikodhim (Preston) in September.

Fr. Theophan was received into the Patriarchate of Constantinople a few weeks ago and has been assigned to Holy Trinity Albanian Orthodox Church in South Boston, reports the OCA’s Romanian Orthodox Episcopate.

The Albanian Diocese currently consists of two parishes, one mission parish, the Philomelion House in Las Vegas, and the St. Nicholas Orthodox Christian Academy in Reno.

Follow OrthoChristian on Twitter, Vkontakte, Telegram, WhatsApp, MeWe, and Gab!

6/29/2023

See also
OCA Diocese of New England, bishopless since 2019, narrows down episcopal candidate OCA Diocese of New England, bishopless since 2019, narrows down episcopal candidate OCA Diocese of New England, bishopless since 2019, narrows down episcopal candidate OCA Diocese of New England, bishopless since 2019, narrows down episcopal candidate
Now, after nearly four years, a possible candidate for the office of Bishop of New England has been found and vetted. State Department report highlights plight of Albanian Orthodox Church State Department report highlights plight of Albanian Orthodox Church State Department report highlights plight of Albanian Orthodox Church State Department report highlights plight of Albanian Orthodox Church
The U.S. Department of State recently published its 2022 report on religious freedom in Albania, including much information about the Albanian Orthodox Church. OCA Synod elects new Bishop of Boston and Albanian Archdiocese OCA Synod elects new Bishop of Boston and Albanian Archdiocese OCA Synod elects new Bishop of Boston and Albanian Archdiocese OCA Synod elects new Bishop of Boston and Albanian Archdiocese
The Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church in America elected a new bishop for the Diocese of New England and the Albanian Archdiocese this week.

Subscribe
to our mailing list

* indicates required
×