On Christmas Day, after the Divine Liturgy, at 12:00, Archbishop Anastasios, accompanied by the Bishop of Apollonia Nicholas, the Bishop of Kruja Anthony, the Bishop of Amantia Nathaneil, and the Bishop of Bylisi Asti, received the Christmas wishes. The reception took place at the great hall of the new Holy Synod building, part of the new “Resurrection of Christ “Cathedral complex. Many people came to give their greetings: the President of the Republic of Albania, Mr. Bujar Nishani; the Prime Minister, Mr. Edi Rama; the head of the Parlament, Mr. Ilir Meta; the President of the Democtratic Party and present Mayor of Tirana, Mr. Lulzim Basha; ministers, party leaders, diplomats, intellectuals and prominent personalities, as well as believers etc.Representatives of other religious communities also came to offer their greetings; the President of the Islamic Community, Haxhi Selim Muça; Baba Edmond Brahimaj from the Bektashi Order; the Apostolic Nuncio Mgr. Ramiro Moliner Inglés, as well as Evangelical representatives from the Halvetian community etc. Those who were present gave their wishes to Archbishop Anastasios for the feast, stating among other things:
President Nishani: “I want to wish more peace in our souls, more tranquility in our minds.”
The Prime Minister Edi Rama: “I wish everyone a Merry Christmas, this feast is like every great feast of the religious faith, and I take the opportunity to emphasize the pleasure in this day when the spirit of solidarity with the most vulnerable, with those in need and those who are seeking a path of hope, culminates.”
The head of the Democratic Party, Mr. Lulzim Basha: “Many wishes to every Albanian family and the blessing of God for all people around the world. I want to express my pride to be the head of the municipality of this city, in a country that celebrates with the spirit of tolerance. Merry Christmas ” .
The Assembly leader, Mr Ilir Meta: “Birth and light are revived and strengthens our hopes for a better Albania, not only for ourselves, but also for the generations that will come. Today is a day that keeps us united in solidarity to work together for an Albania that all our citizens wish for. Merry Christmas!”
