There was a festive atmosphere in Permeti on the day of the Feast of Theophany. His Grace Dhimitri, Metropolitan of Gjirokastra, celebrated the Divine Liturgy and the Service of Sanctification of the Waters in the beautiful Church of St. Paraskevi, together with all the believers and the Mayor of Permeti, Mr. E. Komnino and the Prefect of Gjirokastra, Mr. S. Ksera.
This small town has a beautiful tradition whereby the citizens, not all of whom are Orthodox, go to the shore of the River Vjosa, near the bridge, to attend the ceremony of the throwing the cross in the water. (The cross was taken by a young boy from Permeti.)
After the Services His Grace Dhimitri, according to the tradition, blessed and shared the Vasilopita cake with the parish in the hall of the “Nativity of the Theotokos” kindergarten.
Correspondent of “Ngjallja” newspaper
Translated by Sonila Dedja
Edited by Anastasia Pamela Barksdale