Archbishop Anastasios of Albania: An Eastern Orthodox Example of Peace from a Religious Tradition Embroiled in Wars

Abstract

In recent years, several disputes between Orthodox churches over jurisdictional and politico-ideological matters have raised questions about Eastern Orthodoxy’s commitment to peace. However, as a Christian denomination, Eastern Orthodoxy is theologically centred around the fundamental Christian values of love and peace. To illustrate how Eastern Orthodoxy can inspire a life devoted to peace, this article focuses on Anastasios Yannoulatos (b. 1929), the current Archbishop of the Albanian Orthodox Church, whose life constitutes a concrete Eastern Orthodox example of peace. Firstly, Archbishop Anastasios’ life story and core theological ideas are presented, and secondly, his contribution to peace is briefly highlighted.