“Worthy!” proclaimed the faithful of the Metropolis of Gjirokastra as they welcomed their new shepherd, Metropolitan Nathaniel (Stergiou), who was enthroned on Saturday, September 20, in the city of Gjirokastra.
Metropolitan Nathaniel, formerly titular Metropolitan of Amantia, has served the local Church for more than twenty years as a preacher, leaving behind a rich pastoral legacy that he is now called to continue and expand.
The enthronement ceremony took place in the presence of Archbishop Ioannis of Albania, members of the Holy Synod of the Church of Albania (Metropolitan Nikolaos of Apollonia and Fieri, Metropolitan Nikolaos of Elbasan, Metropolitan Anastasios of Berat, and Bishop Anastasios of Kruja, elected Metropolitan of Korçë), clergy of the Metropolis of Gjirokastra, as well as hierarchs from Greece and Bulgaria.
The enthronement of the new Metropolitan of Gjirokastra, Nathaniel (Stergiou), was attended by Greek diplomatic authorities in Albania, regional mayors, politicians, local government officials, clergy, faithful from both Albania and Greece, as well as relatives and fellow villagers of the new hierarch.
Archbishop Ioannis of Albania expressed his confidence that the new Metropolitan—who from the very beginning of Anastasios’ ministry in Albania had followed and been inspired by him—will continue with fruitful work in this historic Metropolis. In his address, Metropolitan Nathaniel, after a brief historical reference to the Metropolis, stressed that the central focus of his ministry will be the care of his flock.
Speaking on behalf of the local clergy, a representative welcomed the new hierarch with moving words: “We greet you with deep emotion and great joy in a land with a rich ecclesiastical tradition and history, but also modern challenges. You come to a place sanctified by martyrs, confessors, and contemporary ascetics, filled with prayer and hope.
You succeed a revered and eminent hierarch, the late Demetrios, who was distinguished by his asceticism, enlightened spirit, and profound theological education. Your presence here is not merely administrative —it is a mystery of Divine Providence.”
Metropolitan Nathaniel becomes only the second hierarch of Gjirokastra since the fall of the communist regime, succeeding the late Metropolitan Demetrios. From 1992 to 2006, the Metropolis was under the locum tenens care of Archbishop Anastasios.
It is considered certain that Metropolitan Nathaniel will continue in the path of his predecessors, bearing dynamic witness and offering a missionary presence that will be both substantial and effective.
Fr. Elias Makos
