Archbishop Anastasios of the Albanian Orthodox Church remains in the intensive care unit of Evangelismos Hospital in Athens, where doctors are working to bring the 95-year-old patient out of a medically induced coma, reports Vima Orthodoxia on January 17, 2025. Despite intensive care measures, his condition remains critical, with each passing hour without improvement being pivotal.

The Archbishop was airlifted from Tirana to Athens after his health deteriorated while being treated for a viral infection since late December. A severe gastric hemorrhage necessitated emergency surgery a week ago. However, recovery has been complicated by his advanced age and underlying health issues.

Professor Anastasia Kotanidou, head of the medical team, emphasized that the process of awakening His Beatitude requires time and extreme caution. The primary objectives are to stabilize his condition, minimize the risk of complications, and preserve the function of vital organs.

Archbishop Anastasios, who has led the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania since 1992, is widely recognized for his dedication to interfaith dialogue and humanitarian efforts, earning him international acclaim. The Orthodox Christian community continues to pray fervently for his swift recovery.