The Epiphany was celebrated across Albania with the Great Blessing of the Waters and numerous young people diving into the icy seas and rivers to retrieve the cross.
This year, however, the fervent prayers of the Orthodox also included the restoration of the health of the Archbishop of Albania, who remains in critical condition at Evangelismos Hospital.
It could not be otherwise, as the restoration and revival of the Church of Albania are attributed to the invaluable work and boundless love of Archbishop Anastasios, who selflessly and generously dedicates himself to enriching and uplifting the lives of all.
Many faithful gathered in churches to receive the blessing with reverence, while in various areas, large crowds attended the ceremonial diving for the Holy Cross.
In Tirana, at the Cathedral of the Resurrection, the Great Blessing of the Waters was officiated by Metropolitan Nathaniel of Amantia.
In Himara, following the Great Blessing at the Church of Saint Marina, the cross was cast into the sea at the beach in the center of the Caves, where many braved the icy waters despite the cold. In Saranda, the Holy Cross was cast into the sea at a designated spot along the coastal road. In the municipality of Finiq, the Holy Cross was cast into the Bistrica River for the traditional dive. In the village of Derviçan in Gjirokastër, the Great Blessing of the Waters was conducted in a specially designed marble tank located in the courtyard of the Church of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary. In earlier times, this ceremony was traditionally held at a well in the village.
In Korçë, in the presence of a large crowd, Metropolitan Ioannis presided over the ceremony where the Holy Cross was immersed in the city’s fountain.
The cross was eagerly sought after by the youth of the city, who enthusiastically entered the fountain to retrieve it.
Metropolitan Astios of Berat presided over the Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral in Berat and conducted the Great Blessing of the Waters.
The diving of the Holy Cross in Berat took place after a procession of priests and believers passed through the picturesque landmarks of the city, concluding at the arched bridge over the river.
In Vlora, the Holy Cross was cast into the sea by the vicars of the parish of Saint Theodore.
In Elbasan, Metropolitan Anthony cast the Holy Cross into the pool of the “Ajek” multiplex.
Metropolitan Nicholas officiated the service and performed the Great Blessing of the Waters at the Church of Saint George in Fier, while the diving of the Holy Cross took place at the city fountain.
It is worth noting that in the Vjosa River, near the village of Selenicë, where the waters were literally “freezing,” young people bravely dared to dive for the cross.
