Twenty-six years have passed since the repose of the late Bishop Kosmas (Qirjo) of Apollonia.
As a priest during the persecution of the Christian faith in Albania, Bishop Kosmas became an emblematic figure, supporting the Orthodox faithful with courage and at the risk of his own life.
On Sunday, August 9, 2026, Metropolitan Nikolaos of Apollonia and Fier celebrated a memorial service in his honor at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Georgios in Fier.
During the atheistic regime, Bishop Kosmas served secretly as a priest. After completing his daily work as a vine grower, he would secretly perform baptisms and weddings, mainly during the evening hours.
It is said that he conducted hundreds, perhaps even thousands, of baptisms throughout the period of the atheistic regime.
Fr. Ilias Makos
