On Monday, the 22nd of March 2021, the President of the Republic of Albania, Ilir Meta, bestowed upon the Albanian Interface Council the “Honour of the Nation” decoration.
Leaders of many religious communities attended the event: H. Bujar Spahiu, Head of the Muslim Community of Albania, Archbishop Anastasios, Head of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania, Mons. George Frendo, Archbishop of Tirana-Durres of the Roman Catholic Church, H. Dede Edmond Brahimaj, Bektashian, Mayor, and Pastor Ylli Do çi, Head of the Evangelical Brotherhood of Albania.
Archbishop Anastasios of Albania received the decoration on behalf of the Interface Council of Albania.
In his speech, the President of the Republic of Albania, Ilir Meta, praised the role of religious leaders in the country and the importance of the Council.
In his speech, Archbishop Anastasios said the following: “Your Excellency, Mr President, my dear fellow leaders of religious communities. I remember two things. Firstly, I remember with great emotion the other three people with whom we decided to establish this Council: H. Selim Mu çaj, Father Reshat and Mr Rok Mirdita. This happened simply and spontaneously. The next point is that the Council opened us a door and we set up a universal bridge.”
“Our council is part of this global organisation ‘Religions for Peace’. We have been bearing witness not only within the country but worldwide. This country is at the forefront of religious coexistence. For the first time, we use the word harmony than tolerance. With the word ‘harmony’ it is more beautiful. We all maintain our traits and identity but we create something very beautiful and we send a message to the whole world. We are grateful to His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Albania, because he is by our side from the very beginning. I believe that in the modern world the most important things are freedom and love. Faith opens the door to freedom and love. We are grateful to everyone who helped us make this endeavour possible. Mr President, we wish you a life full of wisdom, love and hope,” he added.
