On July 20, 1998, in the Church “Annunciation of the Theotokos”, in Tirana, was conducted the service of elevating in the Episcopal rank the Metropolitan of Korça, His Eminence John, by Archbishop Anastasios and two Metropolitans, representatives of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Together with Their Eminences Ignatius and Cosmas, this became the first Holy Synod of our Church after the atheist persecution. The Enthronement of His Eminence, John, took place on July 25 in the Cathedral of “Life-Giving Spring.”On July 21, 2013 was commemorated this marked an important event for all the Orthodox believers of the Metropolis of Korça, and for all the believers of Albania. This anniversary was special because His Eminence, John, fulfilled 15 years in the position of a spiritual Shepherd of Korça. At the Divine Liturgy that was held in the Church of the “Life-Giving Spring” all the clerics of the Metropolis of Korça as well as many Orthodox believers from all over the Diocese participated.
On this occasion, His Eminence John honored some of the older clergy of the Metropolis of Korça. Shortly before the end of the Divine Liturgy, Father Elias Kotnani, as the representative for all the clergy, thanked the Metropolitan for all that he has offered in his ministry. His Eminence John, began his thank you speech mentioning the importance that anniversaries have in the life of our Church. They remind us of what God has done for us, all that God has done to rebuild this Church, and also all the people that God used to achieve this. First, for Archbishop Anastasios, who has given everything to rebuild the Church. All of these people that have done something for the Church, they have been able to do it only with the help of God, because God says that, “Without Me you cannot do anything”. If we think we can do everything based on our strength, we will fail, because our strength lies in God. So, at every anniversary we remember this, and give thanks to God for all that He has done for us, and also the people through whom God has accomplished everything.
Next, His Eminence John thanked all the clergy of the Diocese, as well as the believers for the help and support that they have provided during all these years in carrying out their service. Without the assistance and participation of all nothing could have been accomplished. Again I encourage and advised everyone to try to defend the Church, because by doing so we protect ourselves. After the Divine Liturgy at the Church, His Eminence John received numerous congratulations and warm wishes from the believers. In the afternoon, at the “Resurrection of Christ” Cathedral a concert was held on the occasion of this anniversary.
Themistokli Bambulla
