Archbishop of Albania to Patriarch of Alexandria: “Moscow’s activities are anti-canonical – We need a Pan-Orthodox Assembly”

His Beatitude Archbishop Anastasios of Albania has voiced his opposition to the uncanonical activities of the Moscow Patriarchate in Africa through two letters addressed to His Beatitude Pope and Patriarch Theodore of Alexandria. The Archdiocese of Albania made public these letters, dated 7 February and 14 March 2024, highlighting concerns regarding the infiltration of the Moscow Patriarchate in Africa.

As he comments, “there has been unacceptable anti-canonical activities,” which affects the unity and mission of the Orthodox Church.

Addressing Patriarch Theodore, the Archbishop of Albania stressed that “what you describe in detail confirms that an obvious schism is developing within the Church.”

However, he clarifies that he opposes the tactic of “retaliation”, and asks (“we ask and we beg”) for the convening of a Pan-Orthodox Assembly, “to address all the issues that have arisen in Ukraine, Africa and the Orthodox Church around the world in general.”

In the second letter dated 14 March 2024, Archbishop Anastasios reiterated that he did not agree with “the actions of the Moscow Patriarchate in Africa.” It deems such methods as unacceptable and condemnable.

Instead, he advocated for constructive dialogue and peaceful resolution, opposing the deposition of hierarchs and the propagation of tension through media channels among Orthodox Churches.

Source: orthodoxtimes.com