Source: Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania
May 10, 2016
The Holy Synod of the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania, in its meeting on April 7, 2016, held under the headship of His Beatitude Anastasios, Archbishop of Tirana, Durres and All Albania, decided to establish two new Metropoles: 1. The Holy Metropolis of Apolonia and Fieri, which includes the areas of Patos and Libofshe which were separated from the Metropolis of Berat, Kanina and Vlora. 2. The Holy Metropolis of Elbasan, which includes the areas of Elbasan, Shpati and Librazhdi which were separated from the Archdiocese of Tirana and Durres.
Also, in accordance with the statute and after the proposal of the Clergy-Laity Church Council, decisions were made to fulfill the vacancies in the above newly created Metropoles by regular ballot. His Eminence Andon (Merdani), also Bishop of Kruje, who had previously been protosyngel of the Holy Archdiocese, was elected as the head of the Metropolis of Elbasan. His Eminence Andon graduated from the Theological Academy "Resurrection of Christ" and the Theological Faculty of the University of Athens, and has received Master Degrees.
On Sunday, April 17, 2016, at the church of St. Nicholas, in Elbasan city, the enthronement of His Grace Andon took place. A festive atmosphere rich in folk music and traditional dances of the area was felt all around. The area of Elbasan is known for its ancient Christian traditions and is also the place where one of the earliest Orthodox monasteries, that of St. John the Vladimir, is located.
At 6 p.m, Archbishop Anastasios and the new Metropolitan arrived to the church of St. Nicholas. They were surrounded by the love and affection of many faithful. The enthronement rite was also attended by members of the Holy Synod. Also present at this remarkable event were the clergy and laity of other dioceses, the mayor of Elbasan, local government representatives, deputies of the area and leaders of other religious communities in the city.
Archbishop Anastasios, His Eminence Andon and the members of the Holy Synod entered the church surrounded by the love of the faithful of Elbasan. Once His Eminence sat on the Episcopal Throne, Protopresbyter Joan Trebicka read aloud the report of the Holy Synod in front of the faithful of the Diocese of Elbasan, Shpati and Librazhdi, in which they were informed of the recent decisions of the Holy Synod and were invited to support their Archshepherd. On behalf of the faithful of the new Metropolis, Stavrofor Gjergji Trebicka welcomed the new Metropolitan, His Eminence Andon who gave a speech on the occasion. In his speech, His Eminence, stated:
"... I am quite grateful to God for giving me the opportunity to have been with you [referring to Archbishop Anastasios] for a considerable amount of time, during which I have benefited from your strong faith in God’s providential care which has helped you in return to face the difficult moments and hardships. I have benefited from your deep wisdom and humility, which stems from your faith in God and your love for people, and from the patience you display while enduring daily challenges and facing issues that reach beyond local concerns and commitments.
Today you see how your spiritual children here in Albania are growing not only spiritually, but are also undertaking important tasks, as yesterday with the enthronement of the Metropolitan of Apolonia and Fieri, His Eminence Nikolla, but even today, with the enthronement of another son of yours, the Metropolitan of Elbasan, Shpati and Librazhdi. For me personally it is a joy and jubilation that you are present and are witnessing such exciting events for our community and for the citizens of this city and this Metropolis. After a long period of time and centuries, this Metropolis was rebuilt and you take the main credit for this.
... As the archshepherd of the new Metropolis I feel the responsibility and blessing at the same time to work with all my heart and soul for the spiritual progress of the faithful and the unity of Christ's Church. Therefore, I declare my engagement and commitment to my new endeavor, despite my weaknesses and human limitations. But trusting in the grace of God Who makes up for all the weaknesses and human limitations, I humbly ask for Divine help, believing and praying that God, Who called us in this path, will give us the necessary strength and wisdom to successfully accomplish the mission we have been charged with... "
In the end, all the participants unanimously shouted "Worthy" to the new Metropolitan and wished him success in his future endeavors.
After the rite of enthronement there was a reception on the church premises, during which His Eminence Andon received heartfelt congratulations from the hierarchs, clergy, local authorities and the faithful of the new metropolis.
