Albania, January 5, 2026
Photo: newsbomb.al
The primate of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania, His Eminence Archbishop John, was named Person of the Year 2025.
More than 10,000 people participated in the annual poll by the News Bomb outlet, which invited voters to choose from 12 candidates selected by the editorial team.
His Eminence received 32% of the votes.
In 2025, he was elected Archbishop of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania, becoming the first ethnic Albanian Archbishop since 1990. “With his calm demeanor, measured words, and messages of unity, he gained widespread respect and appreciation, reflected in the public’s support.”
The runner-up received 28% of the vote, while the third-place finisher received just 8%.
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His Beatitude was baptized during Albania’s atheist period by the late Bishop Kosmas Qirios of Apollonia, who died a martyr, and was active in the resistance against Hoxha’s communist regime. He now carries forward the legacy of Abp. Anastasios, his spiritual father, building on the internationally recognized structures his predecessor established for Albania’s small but respected Orthodox Church.
The Archbishop continues working to reclaim church properties that courts have ruled belong to the Church but have not yet been returned. He maintains positive relationships with other Christian communities while not hesitating to voice constructive disagreements when necessary. The Albanian government has shown support for his leadership, both due to his Albanian heritage and his commitment to fostering peaceful coexistence among the country’s religious communities.
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