Sermon by the World Council of Churches (WCC) moderator Bishop Prof. Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm at the funeral of His Beatitude Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana, Durrës, and All Albania.
Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ,
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ, who is “the resurrection and the life”. We gather today in sorrow, and at the same time in deep gratitude, as we commend the soul of His Beatitude Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana, Durrës, and All Albania into the eternal embrace of our risen Lord.
During his last days we could feel how much he was loved here in Albania, the country of his long and tireless service for the people who had become so close to his heart. We heard about what an immensely important spiritual and integrative church leader he was in the whole Orthodox community. Let me add to this the voice of the global ecumenical movement.
For us Archbishop Anastasios was a great spiritual authority: an impressive theologian, deeply rooted in his tradition and at the same time with a wonderfully wide horizon. And he was a dear brother in Christ, loved by everyone for his humility, graciousness, and love. He was one of the most influential Orthodox figures in the ecumenical movement for decades, a towering figure whose contributions to the World Council of Churches (WCC) shaped its mission and broadened its vision. He served as both a visionary theologian and a pragmatic leader, for example in his office as WCC president (to name just one of many), contributing profoundly to the WCC’s mission to bring churches together in mutual understanding and shared witness. His extensive theological writings addressed critical issues, such as the Church’s mission in a pluralistic world, interfaith dialogue, environmental stewardship, the theology of reconciliation, social justice, and the Church’s role in addressing global economic inequality. These works remain a powerful source of inspiration, encouraging Christians worldwide to transcend divisions, foster mutual understanding, and be a sign of unity in this divided world.
Archbishop Anastasios hosted international ecumenical meetings and consultations, providing platforms for dialogue and joint reflection on pressing global issues. He also demonstrated steadfast dedication to empowering youth and advancing the role of women in the Church.
His theology was deeply relational. It exemplified the ecumenism of the heart that is such a driving source for our commitment in the ecumenical movement, fostering relationships across denominations and faith traditions. His understanding of unity was deeply rooted in the Trinitarian vision of God as a communion of love, a communion that calls the Church to reflect this unity in its own life and mission. Archbishop Anastasios reminded us that ecumenism is not a peripheral activity but central to the Church’s mission and vocation. Christ is not divided; how can we as the people of Christ be divided?
Therefore, as we honor his memory, let us newly embrace the ecumenical task with boldness and determination, drawing inspiration from the life he so faithfully led. He personified the motto of the last assembly of the WCC in 2022: “Christ’s love moves the world to reconciliation and unity.” Let us continue his mission by deepening our fellowship as Christians and extending solidarity to all people of good will.
God gave abundant blessings unto the life of Archbishop Anastasios. And so many blessings came from his life to so many people. We as the WCC have received an abundant share of it. We praise God for his life. We give him back into God’s arms with great gratitude. And we trust that he now enters God’s kingdom, where there is no more suffering, where all tears are wiped away, and where there is nothing but peace.
Amen.
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