The festive atmosphere of Christmas began to be felt days before with preparations for the best way to welcome the Christ-Child, after a long period of fasting and prayer, with numerous beautiful activities for young people and children. The first celebration was on the Sunday before Christmas, when believers gathered, as is traditional, in the Church of the “Annunciation of the Theotokos” for the Sacrament of Holy Oil. On Monday, the 24th of December, early in the morning, believers took part in the Service of the Great Hours of Christmas, filled with troparia and readings from the Old and New Testament that speak of the Birth of Christ; followed later by the Service of Vespers and the Divine Liturgy. While the Orthodox children, organized by the catechists of the National Children’s Office, continued throughout the day visiting in the homes of the Orthodox believers, singing the kolendrat – traditional Christmas songs quite popular with believers.
The activities and preparations of the Orthodox believers culminated on the 25th of December, with Divine Liturgy for Christmas, which took place at the magnificent new “Resurrection of Christ” Cathedral. The Liturgy was led by the Archbishop Anastasios, assisted by His Grace Bishop Nicholas, His Grace Bishop Anthony, His Grace Bishop Nathanail, His Grace Bishop Asti and many clerics.
His Beatitude Archbishop Anastasios read the message of Christmas, which this year was entitled. “Patience with Perseverance”; noting among other things that: “We all know that conditions in our country today are extremely difficult. Do not allow discouragement to reduce the power of the spirit, to paralyze our forces…” “The Sun of Righteousness”, the victorious will shine again within the dark clouds, to light and warm our hearts. With patience, with perseverance let us walk, especially during the New Year, to overcome diverse problems and unforeseen controversies. The celebrations continued with the traditional reception, which this year took place for the first time in the premises of the Synodical Center, part of the complex of the New Cathedral. The representatives of other religious communities, ministers, representatives of political parties, ambassadors, dignitaries and intellectuals, and believers came to offer their greetings. The Prime minister, Mr. Sali Berisha and the Speaker of the Parliament and Ms. Topalli also came to congratulate the Orthodox faithful and praised the efforts of Archbishop Anastasios for building of the new cathedral which is an endeavor that has beautified the capital. Archbishop Anastasious donated to them the Codex of Korça No. 93, c. X, which was republished in collaboration with Central State Archive and Inter-confessional Bible Society.
