On Sunday, 15th August when all the orthodox Christians celebrate the feast of Dormition, Archbishop Anastasios was present in the community of Dhrovjan, a small village in Gjirokastër to head the Liturgy which took place in the church of St. Nicolas and in which a large number of faithful took communion.The atmosphere within and outside the church was welcoming and joyous. Everyone had something to tell about the Archbishop and lots of thanks to give. Some of the youth who had come from abroad said that they felt proud about the work that Archbishop Anastasios had made for the Church in Albania.
On the same day another significant ceremony took place at the center of the village: the
inauguration of the water supply. The realization of the water supply was made possible by the financial funds provided by Archbishop Anastasios in the last three years and it fulfilled the common hope that all the villagers shared: now they all could have water in their houses. In order to achieve this, Archbishop Anastasios not only provided the funds but also attended carefully the whole process of construction and encouraged people to believe in the realization of it. On His honor, a memorial plaque was placed in the church yard on which words of gratitude for the valuable contribution were engraved.
In the ceremony, the reeve of the village, Mr. P. Taçi held a speech to express his hearty thanks for the help that Archbishop Anastasios had provided in many aspects, such as for the restoration of the main road of the village and the church. There was present the head of the municipality, Mr. Th. Kaishi who delivered his thanks for the construction of the school Apostle Paul in this area and the other investments that Archbishop Anastasios has made throughout the years.
Journalist of “Ngjallja” newspaper
Translated by Juliana Kodheli
