The feast day of Saint John Vladimir was celebrated in the monastery that bears his name, in Elbasan on the 3rd and 4th of June, brought together Orthodox believers of all ages who come from different villages and cities of Albania, and even from outside of Albania; from the Republic of Montenegro, as well as a group of students from the USA led by Father Luke Veronis, who served for many years as a coworker in the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania. Just as every year the students and professors of the Theological Academy “Resurrection of Christ”, were present, led by the Bishop of Apollonia, His Grace Nicholas, who helped in the organization of the festival. Also present were various groups organized by the Student Center, by the Catechism Office, and by the Office of Women’s of the Church. The festive program began in the afternoon of June 3rd, when hundreds of believers waited with reverence and faith for the arrival of the holy relics of St. John Vladimir. In addition, many of them saw the documentary on the life of the Theological Academy and the life of Saint John Vladimir prepared by the Catechism Office of the Archdiocese, as well as participated in the vigil and Divine Liturgy during the night. The next morning, hundreds of believers continued to arrive in order to honor their miracle working saint by taking part in the Divine Liturgy and in the procession (litany) of the clergy with the relics of the saint, processing around the church. The festive sermon was given by the Father Alcviades Caliva (born in Gjirokastra, Bularat), a prominent theologian and the former Dean of the Theology Faculty at “Holy Cross” in Boston. Finally, the relics of the saint were placed in a tent close to the church for veneration by all the faithful participants.
One thing that was special about this feast was that it brought together the politicians from different parties, sitting next to each other with the clergy and the believers. The Mayor of Elbasan, Mr. Qazim Sejdini, came to honor the saint accompanied by the head of the socialist Party, Mr. Ben Blushi. They were welcomed by the Bishop of Apollonia, His Grace Nicholas, who also led the services. Shortly afterwards, the Minister of Defence, Mr. Arben Imami, the head of the Democratic Party for the county also came, and Luciano Boçi candidate for deputy of this party in Elbasan. They shook hands with each other, skipping the campaigning and political divisions, and joining the feast.
After the meeting, Mr. Ben Blushi offered wishes to the Orthodox believers for this holiday. He said that today is not the day to talk about politics, but to wish people for prosperity among communities, between all Albanians … And with the God’s blessing we look forward to a peaceful campaign, a campaign without problems… Likewise Arben Imami said that as you have seen on this day, we have overcome the small divisions that needed to be overcome. It is a day when we have to think about peace, understanding and a moral life. Messages of congratulations were also given by the Mayor, Mr. Sejdini, Mr. Boçi and the Mayor of the Municipality of Bradashesh, Mr. Sabri Sollaku, with wishes for understanding and prosperity.
At the end, Bishop Nicholas thanked those who were present, and in addition to the wishes of the believers spoke even about the election of June 23 saying: “”Today the Orthodox Church celebrates a feast of a great saint, St. John Vladimir. We remember the day of his martyrdom. The day of his martyrdom is a day of birth because in his martyrdom begins a new life. Each of us is a responsible citizen of his country, and has the right to vote for the person that we think will contribute to the country. We wish for a peaceful campaign. We hope that those who will be chosen will be decent people. “
In this feast also participated believers of other religious communities, lighting candles and praying to God and St. John for prosperity.
On this occasion, which had been established several years ago by the Municipality of Bradashesh as “A day of understanding and harmony”, a concert was organized with prominent artists from the music scene.
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