LAST UPDATE: 17:20
A large number of faithful gathered at the Church of the Resurrection to pay their final respects to the late Metropolitan Dimitrios of Gjirokaster, who fell asleep in the Lord on July 29.
The Funeral Service was led by Archbishop Ioannis of Albania, with co-celebrants including Metropolitans Antonios of Elbasan, Nikolaos of Apollonia and Fier, Astios of Berat, Nathanael of Amandia, and Bishop Anastasios of Kruja.
The body of the late Metropolitan, which lied in state for the faithful to pay their respects since last night, drew countless clergy and faithful coming to honor his memory.
The burial of Metropolitan Dimitrios will take place in Dropull.
On Monday evening shortly after 8 PM, the blessed remains of Metropolitan Dimitri arrived in Gjirokaster, where they were warmly received by the clergy of the Metropolis, including priests from the local community. The Trisagion service was solemnly celebrated by the Metropolitans of Apollonia and Fieri, Nikolaos, and Amantia, Nathanael.
An all-night vigil for the repose of the Metropolitan’s soul was conducted by Metropolitan Nathanael of Amantia, broadcast live from the “Resurrection of Christ” Cathedral.
The Divine Liturgy is taking place at the “Annunciation of the Theotokos” Church in Tirana, honoring the memory of the departed Metropolitan.
