On Saturday, May 24, 2014, the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the elevation to the priesthood of Archbishop Anastasios, and the launch of his missionary work in Africa, the consecration of the “Nativity of Christ” Chapel took place. This chapel is located near the great “Resurrection of Christ” Cathedral in Tirana. Many believers, especially young people participated in this service.
The Service of Consecration and the Divine Liturgy were led by His Beatitude Archbishop Anastasios, assisted by His Grace Bishop Nathanael and other clergy.
After the consecration, Archbishop Anastasios received many warm wishes for this marked anniversary. In addition, an activity with the theme, “The Orthodox Mission in East Africa” continued at the Cultural Center of the new Cathedral. This beginning is related directly with Albania. Our Archbishop Anastasios was in Africa in early 1991, when the Ecumenical Patriarchate invited him to go to Albania as the Patriarchal Exarch.The experience of the harsh conditions of his service in Africa helped in coping with the various difficulties during the apostolic efforts in Albania. The activity also included songs and dances from youth groups, a short documentary etc.
The “Nativity of Christ” Chapel is located in the left corner of the courtyard of the Cathedral Complex. It has a copper-lined cross-shaped roof. The Altar is distinguished by its wooden iconostasis, while by a circular glass window in the center of the floor allows natural light to enter the Baptistery, which is located underground just below the chapel. The chapel is decorated with iconographic murals, expertly painted by Christos Papanikolaou.
