Archbishop Anastasios of Albania, a revered figure in the Orthodox world, was rushed to Athens on Friday for urgent medical treatment following a sudden decline in his health.
The 95-year-old cleric was flown from Tirana to Elefsina Air Base aboard a Greek Air Force aircraft, accompanied by a medical team.
Sources indicate that the Archbishop is undergoing tests for a respiratory infection and gastrointestinal bleeding.
His care has been entrusted to Professor Anastasia Kotanidou, a leading expert in pulmonology and intensive care, underscoring the seriousness of his condition.
Doctors are closely monitoring his health and will determine whether he requires admission to an intensive care unit based on the test results. An official medical update is expected on Saturday.
The Archbishop was initially hospitalized in Tirana on December 30th with symptoms of a seasonal viral infection. While his condition was initially stable, his health deteriorated, necessitating the emergency transfer to Athens.
Archbishop Anastasios is widely respected for his contributions to interfaith dialogue and his work in revitalizing the Orthodox Church in Albania.
His followers across the globe are offering prayers for his swift recovery.