Baptismal Name: Alexandru
Rank: Metropolitan
Place of Birth: Diocese of Tambov
Date of Birth: August 6, 1873
Date of Death: May 22, 1965
Affiliation: Russian Orthodox Church
Education: Theological Academy in Moscow
Biography:
Anastasie (Gribanovschi Alexandru) was born on August 6, 1873, in the Diocese of Tambov.
In 1897, he graduated from the Theological Academy in Moscow with the degree of Candidate in Theology.
In 1898, he was tonsured a monk, and six days later he was ordained hieromonk and appointed inspector at the Theological Academy in Moscow.
In 1900, he became inspector of the Vitaniei Seminary in Moscow.
In 1901, he became a professor, and later rector, of the Theological Seminary in Moscow.
On June 29, 1906, he was consecrated bishop of Serpukhov, vicar of the Moscow Diocese.
In 1914, by imperial decree, he was appointed bishop of Holm and Lublin.
On December 10, 1915, he became Bishop of Chișinău.
On May 6, 1916, he was appointed Archbishop of Chișinău and Hotin.
In 1919, he emigrated together with Metropolitan Antonie (Hrapovițchi).
He led the Antonevsky group abroad.
In 1936, he was elevated to the rank of Metropolitan by Metropolitan Antonie.
He was distinguished by tireless work and altruism for the benefit of the local population of the Holm and Chișinău dioceses, affected by the war. He donated his house for a military hospital, organized feeding for the needy, and opened orphanages for children.
Metropolitan Anastasie organized in Munich the “Synod Abroad,” which extended its authority over parishes in Western Europe and America.
On May 27, 1964, he retired, retaining the title of Honorary President of the Synod.
He passed away on May 22, 1965.