On May 8, 2026, the feast day of Saint John the Theologian, Archbishop Ioannis of Albania presided over the Divine Liturgy at the Church of the Annunciation in Tirana.
Concelebrating with Archbishop Ioannis of Albania were Metropolitan Antonios of Elbasan and Ignatios of Amantia, and clergy of the Archdiocese of Tirana.
Saint John the Theologian is commemorated twice each year by the Church: on September 26, the day of his repose, and on May 8, in honor of the miracle associated with the “Manna” that flows from his tomb. According to Church tradition, after the Apostle’s burial in Ephesus, his tomb was later found empty and became a place of miracles. Each year on this feast, a fine dust-like substance known as “Manna” appeared over the tomb, and believers testified to receiving healing of both soul and body through it.
The homily was delivered by Bishop Ignati, who drew a parallel between the miracle of Saint John’s tomb and the miraculous revival of the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania.
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Metropolitan Andoni offered greetings to Archbishop Ioannis of Albania, noting that the Archbishop bears the name of the “saint of love.”
In his address, Archbishop Ioannis of Albania emphasized the saint’s central teaching: “Love one another.” He encouraged the faithful to cultivate spiritual life, stressing that “without spiritual life, we cannot truly become Christians.”
The celebration concluded with the faithful and students of the “Protagonists” school chanting wishes of “Many years, Master” to Archbishop Ioannis of Albania.
