It is with deep sorrow and every hope in the Lord’s resurrection that His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America announces the sudden passing of Metropolitan Ilia (Katre) of Philomelion of the Albanian Orthodox Diocese of America.
“I am deeply saddened by the sudden loss of my beloved brother in Christ Metropolitan Ilia of Philomelion. He was an exemplary hierarch, a man of deep faith who never ceased answering the Church’s call to service. He was an ardent supporter of Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology where he spent much time celebrating services and mentoring the future clergymen of our Church. His passing is a significant loss for Orthodoxy in America. May his memory be eternal!”