Goarch Press Office

06/30/2026

03/05/2026

In communist Albania, atheism was enshrined in the constitution. Owning a copy of the Gospel was enough to land a person in prison for a decade–if they were lucky. Churches had been destroyed, clergy executed, and the entire nation’s spirituality driven underground. It was in this world that His Beatitude Archbishop Joani of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania first encountered Christianity, through a borrowed book.

“It was not a conversion,” Archbishop Joani says. “It was a revelation.”

Read the full article at the link in the comments below. Photo by Orthodox Observer/Dimitrios Panagos.

03/05/2026

Michael N. Bapis was born and raised in Salt Lake City, a place where being Greek Orthodox meant you belonged to something small, but so strong. The strength of his commitment to his faith is evident as he speaks with pride and love, preparing to lead Leadership 100 as it continues to grow in its mission and members.

On the day before the official announcement and the passing of the torch from Demetrios Logothetis, who held the position of Chairman for the past four years, that Michael senses he is not only taking on a new responsibility, but a role that he is already familiar with.

Read more about Michael Bapis's story at the link in the comments below. Photo by David Beyda Photography.