By Ilias Makos*
With unwavering faith in the Virgin Mary’s continued intercession after her Dormition and assumption into heaven, Orthodox Christians across Albania solemnly celebrated the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos.
Metropolitan Nathaniel of Amantia celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of the Resurrection in Tirana, where the faithful gathered to honor the Mother of God. Reflecting the spirit of the occasion, the words of Archbishop Anastasios resonated: “In these difficult times, when concern and melancholy prevail, today’s feast brings us rays of hope and optimism—messages of optimism for the future of humanity and for each of us individually. As we express our love and reverence for our Lady, the Virgin Mary, by lighting candles and offering praises, we must also strive to become bearers of this hope and optimism. Her love, kindness, patience, and courage in accepting God’s will are unparalleled.”
In Fier, Metropolitan Nicholas officiated the Divine Liturgy at the historic Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos, located within the archaeological site of Apollonia. The ancient ruins surrounding the church served as a poignant reminder of Apollonia’s former glory as a strategically important city with a rich cultural heritage. The juxtaposition of the temple of Apollo and the church dedicated to the Virgin Mary symbolizes the transition from pagan idolatry to the worship of the living God, highlighting the spiritual journey from mere moral virtue to the reception of the Holy Spirit’s gifts.
Metropolitan John of Korçë, who led the service at the katholikon of the Monastery of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, emphasized in his sermon the significance of the feast. “In the language of the people, today’s feast is called the ‘Summer Easter’ because the Virgin Mary transcended death, and this victory is not hers alone but belongs to all humanity, as she embodies the entire human experience,” he said. “If we desire to live in communion with God, death will no longer terrify us, but rather, it will be an encounter with the Divine. This is why we celebrate the Dormition of the Virgin Mary,” Metropolitan John concluded.
Following the Divine Liturgy, a procession of the icon of the Dormition took place around the church, symbolizing the unity of the faithful in their devotion.
Elsewhere in Albania, Metropolitan Antonios of Elbasan presided over the Divine Liturgy at the Church of Saint Nicholas, while the Feast of the Dormition was also celebrated at the Church of Panagia Vlacherna in Berat. The monastery of Saint Vlasis and the Metropolis of Argyrokastro (Gjirokastër) also honored the Virgin Mary, with the faithful gathering to pay tribute to the Theotokos in these sacred places.
The celebrations throughout Albania were marked by a deep sense of reverence and a collective hope for spiritual renewal, as the Orthodox community came together to venerate the Virgin Mary and seek her intercession.
*Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
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