The Holy Monastery of the Virgin Mary at Ardenica again this year opened its doors to welcome hundreds of people from surrounding villages, as well as from many cities of Albania. There were many believers who lined the premises of the monastery on the eve of this feast. They wanted to take part in the vigil organized every year on this special day. This is a tiny gift that a believer can do to express his gratitude, love and thankfulness to the Mother of our Lord. The vigil, which continued even after midnight, was attended by the Bishop of Berati, His Grace Ignatios and by the Bishop of Amantia, His Grace Nathanael. The Divine Liturgy, which was celebrated in the early hours of the morning of 8 September, was led by the Bishop of Berati, Ignatios and by Bishop Nathanael. We should not forget that the Monastery in Ardenica has been and is one of the most important centers of Orthodoxy.
It is the main spiritual center there in Myzeqe, which has resisted time, and especially the atheist persecution. For a long time the monastery had been desecrated by the communist regime and later by those who covet money. The monastery is a blessing for this entire region and is in the mind, the heart and the soul of every person in this area and of every Orthodox Christian. Also, we must not forget that this center, which has been so great blessing for all of us, was restored by the extraordinary commitment of Archbishop Anastasios. The best way to thank him, the best way to express our gratitude is to value this gift, to take care of the monastery in order that it may regain the splendor of old.
