On Saturday of Souls, June 7, 2025, Orthodox Christians across Albania gathered in churches with kollyva and heartfelt prayers to honor the memory of their departed loved ones.
Memorial services were held in the Archdiocese of Tirana—at the Church of the Annunciation and the parish of Saint Prokopios—as well as in Durrës, at the Church of the Apostle Paul and Saint Astios. Similar commemorations took place in the Metropolises of Korça, Berat, Gjirokastër, Elbasan, and Fier.
In Tirana, the service at the Church of the Annunciation was presided over by Metropolitan Nathaniel of Amantia, with Archbishop John joining in prayer.
In Berat, Metropolitan Astios officiated at the Cathedral of Saint Demetrios. Following the Divine Liturgy, he led a trisagion (memorial prayer) at the grave of his predecessor, the late Metropolitan Ignatios, located in the church courtyard.
The faithful came bearing kollyva—traditional offerings made in memory of the dead—and lifted their prayers for the repose and peace of the souls of those who have passed on.
By Elias Makos
