In the churches of Albania, children received blessings for the new school year.
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy on the Sunday before the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, September 7, 2025, Archbishop John blessed the children for the start of the academic year at the Cathedral of Tirana, where he presided together with Bishop Anastasios of Kruja. A special prayer was read.
It should be noted that similar prayers for the progress of the youth were offered in other dioceses of the Church of Albania. For example, in the Church of St. George in Fier, Metropolitan Nikolaos prayed not only for students and pupils, but also for teachers and parents.
The Church of Albania shows particular care for young people, a commitment it has consistently demonstrated in many ways. Its central goal is the education of children, so that through it they may be formed into well-rounded personalities and become valuable members of society.
For this reason, the Orthodox Church of Albania operates educational institutions at every level—nurseries, kindergartens, nine-year schools, high schools, colleges, and even a university. These institutions stand out both for their facilities and for the quality of their academic programs.
With the blessings of the Archbishop, children in Albania once again embark on the demanding yet beautiful journey of learning and wisdom. The aim is to open the window of education, so that through it they may view the world differently, envision new horizons, and offer the best of themselves to both their own lives and to others.
Fr. Ilias Makos
