Metropolitan Dimitrios of Argyrokastro has fallen asleep in the Lord
The Church of Albania announced the repose of His Eminence Metropolitan Dimitrios of Argyrokastro.
In recent weeks, the late Metropolitan had been hospitalised at the General University Hospital of Ioannina, suffering from a respiratory infection and endocarditis.
Despite the best efforts of the medical team, he was unable to overcome the illness and peacefully fell asleep in the Lord on Saturday, 28 June 2025, at 8:30 PM, due to multiple organ failure.
A memorial service (trisagion) in his honour was held at the chapel of the Holy Archdiocese of Albania, praying for the repose of his soul among the living.
The funeral service will take place at the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ in Argyrokastro on 1 July 2025, at 11:00 AM.
Short Biography of Metropolitan Dimitrios of Argyrokastro
Metropolitan Dimitrios of Argyrokastro was born in September 1940 in Serres, Greece. He pursued his theological studies at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, where he earned his degree.
His life was marked by unwavering dedication to the Church. In 1974, he was tonsured a monk at the Holy Monastery of Saint Catherine on Mount Sinai, Egypt, where he became a valued member of the monastic brotherhood. During his time there, he specialised in paleography and the cataloging of ancient manuscripts, a field for which the monastery is renowned.
Following the arrival of Archbishop Anastasios in August 1991, Metropolitan Dimitrios joined the missionary efforts of the Orthodox Church in Albania from its earliest days. He served as Protosyncellus of the Holy Metropolis of Argyrokastro starting in the autumn of 1994, playing a vital role in the church’s mission and administration.
His Eminence was elected to the throne of the Metropolis of Argyrokastro on 11 November 2006, by the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania, following the General Clerical Assembly that ratified the Church’s Statute. He was consecrated as bishop on 16 November 2006, at the Church of the Annunciation of the Theotokos in Tirana, and was enthroned on 26 November 2006, at the Church of the Archangels in Argyrokastro.
Throughout his episcopacy, His Eminence played a pivotal role in the spiritual and institutional revival of the Orthodox Church in southern Albania. With unwavering dedication and love, he shepherded his flock for nineteen years, overseeing the reconstruction of churches, the expansion of catechetical and charitable ministries, and the strengthening of the faithful’s spiritual life.
He was renowned for his profound understanding of Orthodox tradition and his solid biblical education, serving as a steadfast pillar of support for the faithful in his diocese. For many years, he faithfully fulfilled the role of Deputy President of the “Pnoi Agapis” Educational Foundation, established by Archbishop Anastasios, making a significant contribution to the advancement and promotion of Orthodox Christian education.
