Christmas is always distinguished for the festive atmosphere that creates and the sense of joy it brings for everyone and everywhere. Its spirit can be felt long before the feast, in the particular church services of this period, such as the Hours, the Holy Unction etc, but also in the festive attire in which the capital of Albania gets dressed at this season. Not to mention, the numerous activites organized with the Orthodox children and young adults, like concerts, carol singing etc, and charitable activities, such as paying visits and delievering gifts to the nursing homes, prisons, centers for children with disabilities, etc.
All of the above culminating with the brightness and joy that the 25th day of December brings when all christians celebrate the Nativity of Christ, the Savior. The day begins with the Divine Liturgy of St. Basil, which this year started at 6.45, in the Cathedral “Resurrection of Christ” in Tirana. Archbishop Anastasios celebrated the Divine Liturgy with other members of the Holy Synod, Bishop of Apollonia, Nicholas, Bishop of Kruje, Anthony, Bishop of Amantia, Nathanail and Bishop of Byllis, Asti, as well as numerous clergy. The church was full of people since early in the morning, but also during the day there were a lot of Orthodox faithful, and citizens of other religions, who came to light candles and make their prayers. Those faithful who were unable to come to church, had the opportunity to attend the liturgy in live broadcast on public television, but also through direct links or chronicles of some private television channels.
This year, the Christmas message of Archbishop Anastasios was about trials and the presence of God in our lives. Among other things, he stated that: “… Let us pray that God in Trinity give us His power, not to surrender in front of the sorrows, injustices or sufferings that arise in our way; to support the sensation of the presence of the heavenly Father, assuring thus that in the center of human history, there is Emmanuel- there is Christ. And with the grace of the Holy Spirit, may the trials get transformed into spiritual maturity and sanctification opportunity. “
On the same day, at 12.00, at the Headquarters of the Holy Synod, which is also part of the complex of the Cathedral “Resurrection of Christ”, Archbishop Anastasios received congratulatory visits by representatives of various religious communities, state dignitaries, representatives of political parties, famous intellectuals, faithful etc. Also the President of the Republic, Mr. Bujar Nishani came to wish the Orthodox believers as well as the President of the Assembly, Mr. Ilir Meta, former President, Mr. Alfred Moisiu, the Mayor of Tirana, Mr. Veliaj, Ministers Blendi Klosi, Ermonela Felaj and Englantina Gjermeni in representation of the Socialist Party, but also Genc Pollo, as Democratic representative and the President of HRUP, Mr. Vangjel Dule, etc.
