Decorated trees, lighted streets, and beautiful decorations everywhere – such a festive atmosphere can be found nowhere else but in the pretty town of Korça during the Christmas holiday. The feast is felt everywhere, on every street, in every square of the town. Amidst this joyful atmosphere, is the Metropolis of Korça – at the center of everything.
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On December 22nd, activities start with a concert organized by the youth of the Diocese of Korça, held in the hall located on the ground floor of the cathedral, Resurrection of Christ. Many groups take part in the celebration. They come from various dioceses, such as Erseka, Hoçishti, Polena, Progri, and Prespa. Korça was well represented by the angelic choir of the cathedral, accordion and violin groups, students from the High School of Arts, and young singers and dancers from the Children’s Cultural Center.
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At the end of the program, there was an exhibition of artwork by young artists from the High School of Arts in Korça. After the introduction of each group, the Metropolitan of Korça, His Grace John, greeted each participant warmly. The local authorities were also in attendance.
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On December 23rd, another event took place in the afternoon. Many children, young and old adults, were in the streets to announce the good news of the birth of our Savior into the world. This tradition has become more and more popular in Korça. One can hear the carols on the streets awakening the feeling of hope in people’s hearts.
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The peak of the Christmas feast came with the ringing of the bells on December 25th and the celebration of the Divine Liturgy in all the churches of Korça. Thousands of faithful gathered in their individual communities. The Metropolitan of Korça, His Grace John, celebrated the Divine Liturgy in the cathedral “The Resurrection of Christ”.
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His message of light and happiness emphasized his feelings; “Dear sisters and brothers in Christ! We are here today to remember the most important event of all creation. It is the day when our Lord, Jesus Christ came into the world … Let’s pray to God who was born and became a man like us, to bless and sanctify our town, our Church and the whole planet. Amen. ”
After the Christmas Liturgy, His Grace John had a reception in the “Hall of the Holy and God-Saved” Metropolis of Korça. Many visitors, such as the Prime Minister of Albania, Sali Berisha, deputies, local authorities of the town, and hundreds of faithful all came. Good wishes were exchanged and faces were brightening by the joy of the feast.
The next day, His Grace John delivered presents to the orphans of Korça. About 100 presents were given to the orphans of Pogradec, and about 250 delivered to the children of Leskovik.
While giving the gifts, His Grace said that they cannot solve our problems, but they are a symbol which should remind us that the children are not forgotten by the rest of society and that many people are thinking of them.
Later, His Grace John had lunch in the dining hall “The Service of Love” and celebrated with those who are alone and in need. Lunch was served in a respectful and dignified manner to about 120 people.
This was the Christmas celebration of 2007 which welcomed once more the birth of our Savior.
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By Mihal Sonellari
Translated by Juljana Pici
Edited by Melanie Linderman
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