October 26th was a special day that will long remain in the memory of the believers of Berat. Traditionally, this celebration is accompanied with majesty in the city, because it celebrates the great martyr, St. Demetrius Mirovliti, and the Cathedral of Berat is named after this saint. The Cathedral was built entirely with funds provided by Archbishop Anastasios, and it opened its doors four years ago and stands magnificently in the center of the city, close to the old church which was destroyed by the atheist regime.
   The celebrations began on the eve of the feast, with the service of Vespers under the direction of the Metropolitan of Berat, His Grace Ignatios. Many believers took part in the holy service and participated in the litany before the gracious icon of St. Demetrios, and in the blessings of the five loaves honoring the saint.
     The following day was also a special day because the Archbishop of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania, Archbishop Anastasios was present at the Fair. His presence always brings joy to all the citizens. Archbishop Anastasios led the Divine Liturgy together with Metropolitan Ignatios and the Bishop of Bylisi, His Grace Asti.
    During the greetings, first His Grace Ignatius spoke, who among other things said: “Your Beatitude, I have the special honor and immense pleasure to express to you the deepest gratitude and the most heartfelt thanks on behalf of the clergy and the Orthodox faithful of our ancient city.
    I can sincerely say that it was due to your interest and your insistence, and the generous contributions that you have given from the day that the foundation of this cathedral until we arrived at the successful completion of this glorious temple. It was not only this alone, but you also made a commitment to equip this spiritual monument with the impressive iconostasis. To this iconostasis today has been added the high-priestly throne, carved with equal elegance.
    It remains for me to congratulate you personally from the bottom of my soul for everything you have done and continue to do to strengthen our Church and especially for your precious contribution to the benefit of the Orthodox community of Berat. May God give you good health and spiritual inspiration for our mutual benefit.”
    Then the Archbishop spoke, and said, among other things: “Your Grace, my dear Brother in Christ, Bishop Ignatios. First, I want to thank you wholeheartedly for your noble speech, for your continued support and for our mutual effort for the Church. I mean that it is with joy that I am here today with you. I remember the first time in 1991, when I arrived in Berat. Of course, the situation here was completely different. We celebrated the Liturgy at the ruins of the church of St. Spiridon. On another occasion we made the Liturgy in the church of St. Thomas, which had only the surrounding walls. I remember also when in 1994, we laid the foundation of the church of St. Demetrius. It was a difficult time then, cholera had fallen on Berat. I ordered the medicines for the patients and the equipment for the hospital. I believe that most of you here do remember these events, and that it is good for the young people to learn about these things.
    I had come to this city specifically to establish the Church. At that time the authorities were not very positive towards the Orthodox Church. It was during the time when they wanted the Archbishop to leave Albania, and to stop the progress of the Orthodox Church in Albania. We were here alone, together with the Protopresbyter Jani Trebicka. Near us stood a few believers, who watched us with great concern about what would happen, and some policemen, who kept them from approaching us. It was a strange situation, within the silence and persecution. I cannot erase from my memory that afternoon.
    We spent several years unable to start the construction of the church. A lot of effort was made to collect the money and thank God, today we have this beautiful Cathedral church. My greatest joy is that you have as Metropolitan, my Brother in Christ, Bishop Ignatios, who with much zeal and love takes care of this Metropolis, which before his coming had been under my care.
    It is important to remember those years and the hardships that have passed. The elders remember very well the persecution and what it means to live without the churches, without priests and bishops. The young people must ask the elders what has happened previously and thank God for what He has given in these past 20 years. There are two basic words in the Orthodox Church. The first is “thanksgiving”, gratitude to God for what He has given us. The next is “forgiveness”; forgive me for the sins that I’ve done. These two words are not used much here in Albania, but are defining to our Orthodox identity. Gratitude to God for what He has given us and repentance for sins that we have done.  And today as we celebrate the great feast of St. Demetrios, I wish you more joy, more peace, love and the blessing of St. Demetrios for many years! With much love, hope and courage! “
    Under the auspices of the Holy Metropolis of Berat a lunch was organized in honor of the bright feast of St. Demetrius Mirovlitit. The highest local authority, as well as many believers, honored Archbishop Anastasios with their participation.
   
 
 
 
 

 

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