Metropolitan Antonios of Elbasan celebrated his name day on the occasion of the feast of Saint Anthony, which was observed by the Church of Albania.
His Eminence presided at the Divine Liturgy in the Church of Saint Nicholas in Elbasan, concelebrating with the clergy of the Holy Metropolis.
In his sermon, he referred to the life of Saint Anthony, the great teacher of the desert, who, although living in solitude, enjoyed deep communion with God. He also emphasized that the Saint defended Orthodoxy with zeal and divine illumination and, though unlearned by worldly standards, proved to be wise according to God, protecting the Church from the scourge of the heresies of his time.
He went on to say: “The example, zeal, and love of Saint Anthony for God encourage us to imitate him even today. Especially in our times, the need to resist comfort and individualism is becoming ever more evident, so that spiritual struggles may free us from the traps continually set by evil and imposed upon us by the modern environment.”
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, the faithful offered their wishes to His Eminence, presenting him with flowers, while receiving sweet treats along with the antidoron. A reception then followed at the parish’s spiritual center.
Fr. Ilias Makos
