There was a festive atmosphere today in Pogradec for the Orthodox, as well as for the wider community. The Archbishop of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania, Archbishop Anastasios, together with the Metropolitan of Korça, His Eminence John and the Bishop of Amantia, His Grace Nathaniel, conducted the ceremony of the consecration of the beautiful Church of the Resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ, in the city center.
Hundreds of believers from the city and the surrounding parishes were present, together with all their clergy who enjoyed this moment of the consecration of their church, which was built during the first efforts, from the years 1994 to 1996. After the magnificent Orthodox Service of Consecration the Divine Liturgy continued which was led by Archbishop Anastasios.
This blessed day for Pogradeci and the Holy Metropolis of Korça coincided with an anniversary of our Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania; that of commemorating 22 years since the enthronement of Archbishop Anastasios, which was a crucial step on the path to its canonical reestablishment after the unparalleled communist persecution.
The Archbishop welcomed the believers and the clerics praising them for their spiritual advancement, and encouraging them for the strengthening of faith as the best support to overcome difficult moments passing the society.
By cultivating trustworthy people, sons of the Resurrection, people of love and of truth, of self sacrifice, the Church becomes a contributor to the fight against corruption, which is rooted in egocentrism, seeking enrichment and lies. This church, like dozens of other Orthodox churches, will be a center of prayer and reconciliation, a place where people through prayer may come in communication with God, but also meet with other people, said the Archbishop.
Through its construction work our Church, in addition to providing needed places of worship and social activities, gave to the cities and villages architectural works with a special charm. What is also important is the fact that through this intense activity, our Church offered employment opportunities to hundreds of people, ensuring prosperity in their families countrywide, and bringing revenue into the economy of the country.
Profound gratitude was expressed also by the Metropolitan of Korça, Bishop John, for the great work of Archbishop Anastasios in the restoration of our Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania.
The Archbishop’s visits continued the next day with the Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of the Resurrection in Korça.
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Moments from the Service of the Consecration of the Church and the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, led by the Archbishop of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania, Anastasios.
These service were broadcasted live by Radio “Ngjallja”, FM 88.5 and on the Internet in the link http://www.ustream.tv/channel/radio-ngjallja-online.
Photo by Harallamb Tereziu and Thoma Dhima.
Listen to the radio chronicle prepared by Radio “Ngjallja”, FM 88.5.
