Patriarch Kirill of Moscow sent a letter of congratulations to the new Archbishop of Albania, Ioannis.
In his letter, Patriarch Kirill emphasizes the significant and solemn mission entrusted to the new Primate as the successor of Archbishop Anastasios.
The full letter of Patriarch Kirill of Moscow to Archbishop Ioannis of Albania:
"By the will of the Holy Synod and by Divine Providence you have been placed at the head of the martyred Church, succeeding the late and blessed Archbishop Anastasios.
This precious and weighty responsibility requires unwavering commitment to preserving the unity of the Church, a zealous defense of the purity of the faith, and the unwavering upholding of its canonical foundations – an undertaking that, in these challenging times, requires extraordinary wisdom and great courage.
I pray fervently for you and wish with all my heart that the grace of the Most Holy Spirit may strengthen you both in spirit and body, so that through your work, the word of God may flourish and be glorified.
May your stay as Primate in the ancient land of Albania be blessed and peaceful. May our great High Priest, our Lord Jesus Christ, multiply the faithful flock entrusted to your care and grant His devout children the gift of eternal salvation.”