Thirty-four years after the restoration of religious freedom, the Christmas bells of the Orthodox Churches in Albania once again rang out joyfully this year, calling the faithful to celebrate the great feast.
Archbishop Ioannis of Albania presided over the Divine Liturgy at the Resurrection Cathedral in Tirana, concelebrated by clergy of the Archdiocese.
As in all churches, the Christmas message of Archbishop Ioannis was read, emphasizing that “it is the duty of every Christian to spread and share this light with the whole world, because only by sharing it with others can the light be preserved and increased; otherwise, it will grow weak and eventually disappear.”
The message continued: “Now more than ever, the world needs the light of Christ. It is necessary, because a life without the presence of the Lord becomes miserable, turning into a life without love, without joy, without light—a life in darkness. Only His presence can illuminate our hearts and souls and give light and joy to our lives. He is the light in our darkness, and His teaching, as the Psalmist says, is a lamp for our journey in this life.”
The message concluded by stressing that “in order to celebrate spiritually the Nativity of Christ, during these festive days let us strive to experience more deeply the holiness and greatness of this divine gift. We can achieve this by cleansing our hearts of all malice and filling them with love and humility toward all people, especially those who are in need—poverty, illness, despair, and loneliness.”
After the Divine Liturgy, the Archbishop exchanged Christmas greetings in the Holy Synod Hall with political figures (among them former President and Prime Minister of Albania Sali Berisha), representatives of religious communities, figures from the arts and culture, as well as ordinary citizens.
In the other Metropolises of Albania as well, Christmas was celebrated, with churches filled with worshippers who participated in the services with reverence.
Metropolitan Nikolaos of Fier celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of Saint George in Fier and received greetings from local political and religious representatives, as well as from faithful and young people.
Metropolitan Antonios of Elbasan served at the Church of Saint Nicholas and received representatives of local authorities and religious communities, as well as members of the public.
Metropolitan Astios of Berat, who served at the Metropolitan Church of Saint Demetrios in Berat, also received greetings from local political and religious leaders.
Metropolitan Nathanael of Gjirokastër celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Resurrection Cathedral in Gjirokastër and later received greetings from local authorities.
Metropolitan Anastasios of Korçë served at the city’s Metropolitan Church and afterward received greetings from representatives of religious communities, as well as officials and citizens of all ages.
Fr. Ilias Makos
