Today, clergy and faithful gathered to bid a final farewell to the late Metropolitan Ignatios of Berat. His body arrived in Berat, Albania, yesterday afternoon and was laid in repose at the Metropolitan Church of Saint Demetrios, allowing the faithful to pay their respects.
This morning, the Orthros and the Divine Liturgy were celebrated at the same church. Archbishop Anastasios of Albania presided over the funeral service following the Divine Liturgy. After the service, clergy and laity accompanied the late Metropolitan to his final resting place, where he was buried.
Divine Liturgy and Funeral Service were performed in Thebes, Greece
On Sunday morning, Metropolitan Nektarios of Argolis presided over the Orthros and Divine Liturgy, co-celebrated by Metropolitan Georgios of Thebes and Metropolitan Nathaniel of Amantia of the Church of Albania. During the service, Metropolitan Nektarios preached, reflecting on the day’s evangelical passage and the life of the late Metropolitan Ignatios.
At the end of the Divine Liturgy, Metropolitan Georgios spoke emotionally about the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus and the blessed High Priest. He prayed for the Lord to rest the soul of Metropolitan Ignatios among the righteous.
At 11 o’clock in the morning, Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece presided over the funeral service. He was joined by Metropolitans Nektarios of Argolis and Georgios of Thebes, along with many priests and monastic fraternities from various Metropolises, relatives, fellow villagers, spiritual children of the late Hierarch, and many believers.
During the service, Metropolitan Georgios conveyed condolences on behalf of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and thanked Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana, Durres, and All Albania for honoring the late Metropolitan Ignatios as a compatriot, former clergyman, spiritual brother, and father to many believers. He also expressed gratitude to Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens, the attending Hierarchs, clergy, monastic brotherhoods, dignitaries, villagers, and faithful who came to honor the late Metropolitan.
Brief Biography of the Blessed Hierarch
Metropolitan Ignatios of Berat, born of Arvanitic origin in Thebes on November 8, 1934, was a distinguished and devoted servant of the Church. He pursued his theological education at the Ecclesiastical School “Patmiada” and the Theological School of the University of Athens, further enhancing his studies by graduating from the Conservatory of Piraeus.
He began his ecclesiastical career as a preacher and lay teacher at the Holy Archdiocese of Athens. In 1967, Metropolitan Nikodimos of Thebes and Levadeia ordained him as a deacon and presbyter. His service included roles as a priest at the Metropolitan Church, Archieratical Vicar of Thebes (1967-1972), Abbot of the Holy Monastery of Saint Luke in Levadeia (1968-1976), and Abbot of the Monastery of Saint Seraphim in Domvos (1975-1996). Additionally, he was a preacher (1972-1992) and spiritual father of the same Metropolis (1962-1996).
Metropolitan Ignatios was elected to the throne of the Metropolis of Berat on June 24, 1992. He was ordained a bishop on July 27, 1996, and his enthronement took place on July 18, 1998, in Berat, officiated by Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana, Durrës, and All Albania. His life and service were marked by unwavering dedication to his faith and his community.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
