Albanian Orthodox Church

The Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania (Albanian: Kisha Ortodokse Autoqefale e Shqipërisë), commonly known as the Albanian Orthodox Church or the Orthodox Church of Albania, is an autocephalous Eastern Orthodox church. It declared its autocephaly in 1922 through its Congress of 1922, and gained recognition from the Patriarch of Constantinople in 1937.

Not to be confused with Church of Caucasian Albania.
Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania
Kisha Ortodokse Autoqefale e Shqipërisë
Seal
PrimateArchbishop Anastasios of Albania
Bishops6
Priests135
Parishes909
Monasteries150
Language
HeadquartersResurrection Cathedral, Tirana, Albania
TerritoryAlbania and Albanian diaspora
FounderTheofan Stilian Noli
Independence17 September 1922
RecognitionAutocephaly recognised in 1937 by the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.
Separated fromEcumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople
Members500,000-700,000-800,000 (claimed), number much higher when diaspora is considered.
Official websiteorthodoxalbania.org
    Part of a series on the
    Eastern Orthodox Church
    Mosaic of Christ Pantocrator, Hagia Sophia
    Overview
    Background
    Organization
    Autocephalous jurisdictions
    Autocephalous Churches who are officially part of the communion:

    Autocephaly recognized by some autocephalous Churches de jure:

    • America

    Autocephaly and canonicity recognized by Constantinople and 3 other autocephalous Churches:

    • Ukraine (OCU)

    Spiritual independence recognized by Georgian Orthodox Church:

    • Ukraine (UOC)
    Autonomous jurisdictions

    Semi-Autonomous:
    Episcopal assemblies
    Noncanonical jurisdictions
    • National churches:
    Ecumenical councils
    • Other possible ecumenical councils:
    • Other important councils:
    History
    Theology
    Liturgy and worship
    Liturgical calendar
    • The four fasting periods:
    Major figures
    Other topics

    The church suffered during the Second World War, and in the communist period that followed, especially after 1967 when Albania was declared an atheist state, and no public or private expression of religion was allowed.

    The church has, however, seen a revival since religious freedom was restored in 1991, with more than 250 churches restored or rebuilt, and more than 100 clergy being ordained. It has 909 parishes spread all around Albania, and around 500,000 to 550,000 faithful. The number is claimed to be as high as 700,000 by some Orthodox sources – and higher when considering the Albanian diaspora.

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