Archbishop Anastasios of Albania, on August 15, precided over the Divine Liturgy at the Monastery of Saint Blasios in Durres, assisted by Bishop Astios of Vilida.
Anastasios emphasized that “Virgin Mary is a message of optimism for humanity in the melancholy that we live in”, adding that “she always remains among us, as a guide, as a comforter, as a helper. She has lived our life and has the experience of human trials”. Archbishop Anastasios added that “there was no material wealth for Our Lady, no education, no social status”.
In Saint Charalambos Church of Saranda, which was inaugurated on August 15, 2011, Metropolitan Dimitrios of Gjirokastra officiated the Feast of the Dormition of Our Lady.