The visit of His Beatitude Archbishop Anastasios to the Mitropoli of Gjirokastra for the feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos, 13 – 17 August, 2009 was a great blessing for all the territory of the Mitropolis.
The laying of the foundation stone for the Church of Lukova.
Lukova was the first stop of Archbishop Anastasios. On Thursday afternoon, 13 August, dozens of habitants gathered in the central square of the villiage, warmly welcoming His Beatitude with so much respect. The Service of the Laying of the Foundation Stone was made for the construction of the new Church of Saint Nifon and Saint Athanasios. The old Church of Saint Athanasios had decayed and in its place a small building had been built that was used as a cultural household. After a long judiciary marathon, it was demolished in order to clear the square for the recontruction of the new Church.
The local authority were present during the service in the Church. His Beatitude described to the believers the plan of the church that is going to be built. He called on them to be participants in this effort also and not just spectators. In the sermon, he spoke about remembering Saint Nifon, by naming the new Church of Lukova after a saint who lived in the XIV century. Saint Nifon was a well-known monk and ascetic and he was from this villiage. The Archbishop also spoke about the efforts every orthodox believer should make in order to imitate the life of the saint.
On Friday, Archbishop Anastasios had an opportunity to visit the Monastery of Saint George in the Cukë of Saranda, which had just completed reconstruction. His Beatitude also visited the Church of the Anunciation of the Theotokos in Delvina to see the new belltower and Church complex there.
The new Church in the villiage Aliko
celebrated the Service of the Opening of the Doors
celebrated the Service of the Opening of the Doors
On the feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos, Archbishop Anastasios officiated at the Liturgy in the splendid new Church of the Forty Martyrs (Saints?) and of the Holy Virgin Mary (Theotokos?), in the village of Aliko of Saranda. Many believer from the villiage and surrounding regions, and local and political authorities, filled the beautiful square in front of the Church, early in the morning, to welcome His Beatitude Archbishop Anastasios.
After His Beatitude conducted the Service of the Opening of the Doors for the new Church, he co-celebrated the Liturgy with the Metropolitan of Gjirokastra, His Eminence Dimitrios. The atmosphere of worship in the very crowded church was moving. The Archbishop’s sermon was on the person of the Mother of God, inviting everyone to imitate her in humility and obedience. Offering once more the message of hope, he insisted that often we Christians in periods of insecurity, economic crisis and social instability dare to hope and our hope is founded in the God of all creation. Archbishop Anastasios reminded the people that were present of the great efforts of our Church, taking concrete actions in difficult years, in order for this hope to exist in the future. We are now in difficult years with activities focused on building spiritual programs, as well as infrastructures in villages and our parishes. Archbishop Anastasios was thanked by the representatives of the authorities present for all of these blessing and especially for the very beautiful Church that has been built in this village. The representatives of the Brotherhood of the inhabitants of Aliko (which has been created in Athens where the majority of the young people live and work) also expressed their gratitude.
Archbishop Anastasios made the honored citizen of Mursia
On the same day Archbishop Anastasios went to Mursi, a small city, that is in southwest of the Mitropolis of Gjirokastra. Over 2,000 believers filled the square of the village, as women and young girls walked in front of the Archbishop throwing flower petals in his footsteps all the way to the Church of Saint Theodoreve, where the Service of Vespers was held. The Metropolitan of Gjirokastra welcomed Archbishop Anastasios. His Eminence Archbishop Dimitrios took the opportunity to remember the great work that has been done in this region by the Orthodox Church under the care and financial support of His Beatitude Archbishop Anastasios: new churches have been opened, two new priests have been ordained to celebrate the liturgy; the renovation of other churches; the development of agrarian programs, and social actions; and especially the support of the education of the young people of the region. Because of these many blessing, the believers of the regions of Mursia and Xara wished for His Beatitude Archbishop Anastasios, from their heart, to have been declare by the Community Council of Xara an honored citizen three years ago. Mr. Dh. Kote, head of the community welcomed and read the proclamation in the square of the city.
Afterward, in what was a very emotional moment, the square of the city was given the name: Archbishop Anastasios and a stone was placed there with His Beatitude’s name. The students of Mursisë offered a rich artistic program. The Prefect of Sarandë, Mrs. E. Gjini was present at this wonderful folk celebretion, together with many of the other local authorities. Also many friends from Greece were invited to this celebration.
The new Church of Tepelenës celebrates the Opening of the Doors Service
On Sunday, 16 August Archbishop Anastasios celebrated the service of opening doors of the new Church, St. Thomas the Apostle and St. John the Theologian in Telelenës. His Beatitude Archbishop Anastasios and the Metropolitan of Gjirokastra, His Eminence Dimitri co-celebrated the liturgy. Many believers who had filled the courtyard as well as local authorities were present at the liturgy. The Church is a wonderful gift from Archbishop Anastasios for the Orthodox community, but also for all the city of Tepelenës. The Church was built with hand-engraved stones and in archetural harmony with area where the historical castle of the city is located.
The head of the community of Tepelenës, Mr. S. Mici, who was present for the day’s activities, thanked His Beatitude for architectually beautifying the city. One of the believers gave Archbishop Anastasios a handwoven tapestry depicting the new Church. Archbishop Anastasios stated that he had the opportunity to repeat once again that an Orthodox Church, where ever it may be, must be transformed into a place of prayer, peace and fellowship, and the reflection of brotherly love; and he expressed the wishes that this Church in Tepelenës will become exactly this. For this reason, Archbishop Anastasops responded positively to the request of a group of new mothers of the city that a childcare center be created on the Church grounds.
On Monday, 17 August in Gjirokastra, at the site of the Holy Cross Church School, Archbishop Anastasios met and discussed with the youth – members of BOYA (Balkan Orthodox Youth Association), that were visiting Albania at that time.
Translated by Ana Kercyku
Edited by Anastasia Pamela Barksdale
Photo Ilia Makos
