January 22nd, the feast of Saint Anastasios the Persian, is a special day for our Church, because it is the name day of His Beatitude, Archbishop Anastasios. Every year, the clergy, faithful and numerous friends of the Archbishop wish him that, “God grant you many years, many and blessed years.” The celebration of this day began with the Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of Tirana. In attendance at the Liturgy were metropolitans, numerous clergy from various dioceses and hundreds of believers of all ages. Following the Divine Liturgy, in the hall near the Cathedral, Archbishop Anastasios received the wishes of those present and many bouquets of flowers as gifts.
Another reception was organized in the afternoon on the grounds of the Archdiocese for clergy, believers and public officials, as well as the general public and a warm family atmosphere prevailed with joy and heartfelt wishes. Another celebration continued in a very special way.
This day was not only Archbishop Anastasios’ name day, but he turned it into a day of joy for many others. For years now Archbishop Anastasios has also shared his joy with many people to whom he sends the bouquets of flowers that have been given to him as gifts.
The Orthodox Women’s group, together with many young people, spread joy to many people in the asylums. The young people, under the guidance of the responsible person in the Women’s Office, Ms. Rajmonda Shqevi, delivered these flowers to the women’s asylum of Mother Teresa’s Sisters of Charity. Joy and gratitude filled the people in the asylum hearts and they wished from their hearts ‘many and blessed years’ to His Beatitude, expressing their gratitude for everything that our Church has offered over the years in their service.Isidor Koti & Ana Baba
Translated by Ana Meni
Edited by Anastasia Pamela Barksdale, M.Div
