Archbishop Joan of Albania

Archbishop Joani (, secular name Fatmir Pelushi; January 1, 1956) is the Archbishop of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania, Exarch of Illyricum and the primate and Head of the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania since 2025. Born in a non-practicing Bektashi Muslim family, his full title is now His Beatitude Joani, Archbishop of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania.

Biography Pelushi was born in a non-practicing Bektashi Muslim family on 1 January 1956 in Tirana. His family is originally from Përmet. In 1979, he converted from Shia Islam to Eastern Orthodox Christianity and was secretly baptized by Fr. Kozma Qirjo (later, Bishop Kozma of Apollonia) with name in honor of St. John the Theologian.

From 1979 to 1990, he worked at the Psychiatric Hospital of Tirana in the rehabilitation ward through occupational therapy.

On July 11, 1992 of the same year, in the Cathedral of the Annunciation in Berat, Archimandrite Joani was ordained a Metropolitan of Korçë. The ordination was performed by Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana and All Albania, assisted by Metropolitan Meliton of Philadelphia and Metropolitan Ignatius of Berat. His enthronement took place in Berat, on July 11, 1992, in the Metropolitan Church of the "Life-Giving Spring".

In 2000, he founded and continues to direct the periodical magazine Tempulli, one of the most respected publications in academic and cultural studies. The magazine features contributions from leading intellectuals, scholars, and Albanologists from Albania and abroad. He serves as both the editor-in-chief and a primary contributor. The range of articles is broad, covering topics such as culture, translations, science, archaeology, philosophy, theology, history, art criticism, prominent historical figures, and the cultural history of Albania, the region, and beyond. Metropolitan Joani was subsequently elected new archbishop of Albania on 16 March 2025 and was enthroned on 29 March 2025.