Between March 2 and 4, 2026, the international conference “Anastasios: Archbishop, Theologian, Missionary” was held at the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, Massachusetts (USA). The Conference marked the first anniversary since the passing of Archbishop Anastasios of Albania. Organized by the Huffington Ecumenical Institute at Hellenic College Holy Cross and the Missions Institute of Orthodox Christianity, the conference explored the life and legacy of Archbishop Anastasios of Albania, a leading figure in contemporary Orthodoxy known for his commitment to interfaith understanding, evangelical outreach, and ecumenical reconciliation.

The Conference program featured presentations from prominent hierarchs and distinguished theologians from all over the world, along with selected academic papers, examining Anastasios’ role as theologian, missionary, and archbishop. Presentations and panels explored the life, witness, and impact of Archbishop Anastasios, focusing on the different dimensions of his extraordinary ministry and leadership. Discussions highlighted his pioneering work as an archbishop, his contributions to theology and interfaith dialogue as a scholar, and his groundbreaking ministry in Africa and Albania as a missionary, giving also attention to the intersection of evangelism, culture, and nationalism, as well as the practical preparation of missionaries for service in diverse contexts. The gathering concluded with reflections on the late Archbishop’s role in fostering ecumenical relations, including his involvement in global and regional church dialogues. Along with liturgical services and personal reflections, the Conference program provided a comprehensive view of his enduring legacy.

The Conference opening was marked by the welcoming addresses by the Director of the Huffington Institute at the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, Rev. Dr John Chryssavgis, by Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, and by the Director of The Missions Institute of Orthodoxy Christianity at the Holy Cross School, Rev. Dr Luke Veronis. Greeting messages were followed by the keynote address by Archbishop Joani of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania, who spoke on the legacy of the late Archbishop Anastasios. Other speakers included Archbishop Demetrios, formerly of America, Metropolitan Ignatios of Demetrias, Metropolitan Neofitos of Eldoret & Northern Kenya, Dr. Nikolaos Tsirevelos, Prof. Angeliki Ziaka, Dr. Pantelis Kalaitzidis, Fr. Martin Ritsi, Dr. Nathan Hoppe, Gabriela Hoppe, Fr. Luke Veronis, and more.

Volos Academy for Theological Studies was represented by Metropolitan Ignatius of Demetrias, Chairman of its Board of Directors, and its Director, Dr. Pantelis Kalaitzidis. Speaking on the topic “Ecclesiology in practice”, Metropolitan Ignatius highlighted the fact that Archbishop Anastasios restored not only buildings and institutions in Albania, but he also worked to unite the congregation into one body of Christ, transforming individuals into a communion, the way it was understood by ancient Church Fathers, like St Ignatius, bishop of Antioch. This meant a transfiguration, starting from the Eucharist and proceeding to the transfiguration of the whole world. His vision of catholicity was based on locality, while he considered the local and the worldly “other” as two interconnected entities. His vision of being an archbishop was not a manifestation of power, but a servant of unity, “a bishop that embraces all”, including the religious other.   

Dr. Pantelis Kalaitzidis, speaking on the vision of Archbishop Anastasios about Evangelism and Nationalism, emphasized that mission and eucharist are two constitutive elements of the making of the Church, reminding that Archbishop Anastasios continuously repeated that indifference for the mission is a sin, and even a denial of Orthodoxy, while he opposed religious nationalism and the understanfind of the Orthodox Church as a “confederation of national churches”. Acknowledging that the genuine spirit of evangelism involves repentance, he criticized the nationalistic conception that views God as a property of the nation. Reminding also that naïve internationalism which tends to eliminates the identities of the various nations was rejected by the late Archbishop Anastasios and his concern for the “right balance” between the two extremes, Dr. Kalaitzidis tried to answer the difficult question related to the silence and the “neutral position” of Anastasios during the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, a position that is yet to be evaluated by the future historians. 

The complete program of the Conference is available at https://huffingtoninstitute.hchc.edu/event/anastasios-missionary-theologian-archbishop/

Photos by Dimitrios Panagos