"I am greatly pleased and moved to be here today at the Ceremony declaring His Beatitude Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania –who has served as the prelate of the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania for 25 years now– an Honorary Citizen of Preveza.
Archbishop Anastasios of Albania is a modest hierarch who has done extensive pastoral and scientific work, with unquestionable international status, honoured with many distinctions. But more than anything, through his tireless activity, he has brought to pass work on many levels: spiritual, education and social, both in the Church and in albanian society.
The restoration of the church structures in Albania is certainly his great work, which he undertook in 1991, when he was serving the mission in Africa. He arranged for the building of churches, the rebuilding and renovation of Orthodox churches and monasteries.
He also exhibited great zeal in the wealth of work he did in the sectors of education, culture –in particular the preservation of monuments and works of ecclesiastical art– healthcare services, care for vulnerable social groups, and in many other sectors.
With discretion, modesty and complete dedication to his work, he is a source of inspiration for all of us, and he is a standing example of selflessness and of solidarity with his fellow human beings.
We wish him health and strength to continue his great work".
September 21, 2017