On Sunday, February 8, 2026, the Divine Services were celebrated at the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ in Tirana, presided over by Archbishop Ioannis of Tirana, Durrës, and All Albania, on the Second Sunday of the Triodion, the Sunday of the Prodigal Son.
On this day, the Church commemorates the Parable of the Prodigal Son, one of the most profound and moving passages of the Gospel, which speaks about repentance, freedom, responsibility, and the boundless love of God.
In his sermon, Archbishop Ioannis emphasized the great importance of the Triodion period in the liturgical year. He noted that the Church understands life as a spiritual journey, and the liturgical year reflects this journey, with its ultimate goal being the encounter with the Risen Lord on Pascha. For this reason, the Church prepares the faithful for this meeting through reflection, repentance, and spiritual purification.
The Archbishop explained that the Parable of the Prodigal Son is the story of every human being. Departing from the Father’s house signifies a departure from a deep spiritual state and from communion with God. The “far country” represents a life enslaved by sin and passions, disconnected from one’s true nature.
He stressed that freedom without responsibility does not lead to true freedom but to slavery. A person who lives in dissipation cannot be truly free, because genuine freedom is found only in the truth. Quoting the words of Christ, “The truth will make you free,” he underlined that this truth is life in communion with God.
Archbishop Ioannis also focused on the key phrase of the parable, “he came to himself,” explaining that as long as a person lives in sin, he is not truly himself. Coming to one’s senses marks the beginning of true repentance, which does not remain merely a feeling but is expressed in concrete action and a change of life.
He highlighted that the central figure of the parable is the compassionate Father, who runs to meet his son as soon as he sees him from afar. This shows that when God sees even a small step of repentance from our side, He takes many steps toward us, forgiving us and granting us spiritual gifts.
The Archbishop noted that God’s justice is not merely human justice but is love and compassion. Without love and mercy, no ascetic effort or rule has any real value. The true goal of spiritual life, he said, is for a person to become like God, who is merciful and compassionate.
In conclusion, Archbishop Ioannis underlined that the period of the Triodion and Great Lent is a call to repentance, hope, and return. No one should fall into despair, because God awaits everyone with love. He calls us to be healed, purified, and sanctified.
Source and photo: Radio “Ngjallja”
