On May 18, 2025, the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania held a heartfelt graduation ceremony at the Resurrection of Christ Cathedral in Tirana, honoring the graduating classes of 2021–2023 and 2022–2024 from the School of Byzantine Music. The event took place with the blessing of Archbishop Ioannis and under the guidance of the School’s Director, Mr. Theodhor Peci.
The ceremony celebrated the successful completion of two-year training programs by six young chanters from different regions of Albania. These graduates now join the ranks of ecclesiastical psaltai, whose spiritual and musical role in Orthodox liturgy is essential—not only offering melodic beauty but also guiding the faithful in their worship experience.
In his address, Mr. Peci highlighted the Church’s historical and ongoing dedication to cultivating the sacred art of Byzantine chant. He underscored the foundational vision of the late Archbishop Anastas, who established the School in 2012 and elevated the chanter’s role to that of a clerical ministry outside the sanctuary. Since then, over 60 graduates have served faithfully across the country.
The School has also made significant contributions to the liturgical and musical heritage of the Albanian Church, including the editing and melodic arrangement of ancient and new liturgical texts, producing 11 volumes of musical works and 5 liturgical books—some already published. The Byzantine Choir “St. John Koukouzelis,” composed of students and alumni, has played an active role in both ecclesiastical services and public cultural events, while their YouTube channel with over 430 videos continues to make Byzantine chant accessible to a wider audience.
Mr. Peci extended heartfelt thanks to Archbishop Ioannis for his support, calling him a spiritual father and patron of the school. He wished the new graduates a blessed path filled with divine grace and spiritual inspiration, as they continue to serve the Church through their voices and faith.
