With solemnity and deep emotion, the city of Vlora and the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania commemorated yesterday the 25th anniversary of the repose of Bishop of Apollonia, late Kosmas Qirjo, a distinguished spiritual figure and a steadfast hero of the Orthodox faith during the most difficult years of the atheist dictatorship. He was born in the village of Bestrovë, Vlora.
The commemorative events in honor of this great personality began with the Matins Service, the Divine Liturgy, and a Memorial Service, presided over by Archbishop Ioannis of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania, concelebrating with Metropolitan Nikolla of Fier, Metropolitan Astit of Berat, and Bishop Anastasios of Kruja.
In his address, Archbishop Ioannis spoke of Bishop Kosmas’s unwavering dedication to serving the Church and the eternal values of the Gospel during the harshest years of the atheist regime. “His life is a living testimony that faith and love can keep hope alive even in the darkest times of denial and betrayal,” the Archbishop emphasized.
Clergy from dioceses across the country, representatives of local and national authorities, and dozens of faithful and townspeople who knew and honored his memory were present at the services.
Declared “Honorary Citizen” of Vlora
In a special ceremony, the Vlora Municipal Council awarded Bishop Kosmas the title of “Honorary Citizen,” as a sign of gratitude for his contribution to preserving spiritual values, strengthening the faith community, and keeping the torch of belief alight when such work was forbidden by law.
The announcement was met with heartfelt applause, and the title was formally presented to Fr. Ilia Qirjo, son of the late Bishop Kosmas.
Life and Ministry
Bishop Kosmas was born in Bestrovë, Vlora, into a devout Orthodox family. From a young age, he stood out for his simplicity, wisdom, and natural inclination to serve the Church and others. He received his primary education in his hometown and continued his theological formation in the ecclesiastical schools and institutions of the time, earning the respect of his teachers and peers for his seriousness and love for God, Holy Scripture, and learning.
As a clergyman and later as a hierarch, he served during turbulent times for the country, becoming a strong voice for defending the faith and safeguarding spiritual unity. Throughout his ministry, he demonstrated humility, wisdom, and boundless love for people, regardless of social status or personal beliefs.
He stood faithfully by the late Archbishop Anastasios from the moment of his arrival in Albania in July 1991 until his own repose in the Lord. Bishop Kosmas became a point of reference for Orthodox faithful in Vlora, Tirana, Durrës, Saranda, Korça, and beyond — caring for his flock, encouraging them not to abandon their faith, and setting an example that no earthly power could extinguish belief.
A Memory That Remains Alive
Following the Divine Services, the faithful visited his grave at the Church of the Five Martyrs in Bestrovë, placing flowers and offering prayers for his soul. At a Memorial Luncheon, clergy, friends, collaborators, and parishioners shared cherished memories and stories, testifying that his example continues to inspire even after a quarter of a century.
The 25th anniversary of the repose of Bishop Kosmas Qirjo was not merely a date to remember, but a powerful reminder that good works do not fade away — they remain alive in the memory of the people and in the life of the Church.
