The new Metropolitan of Berat, Astios, ordained Deacon Aurel Bardho to the priesthood on Saturday, March 22, at the Church of Archangel Michael in the village of Bouboulima, Lushnija.
It was the first ordination he performed as Metropolitan, having been in office for only a few months.
The Metropolitan spoke of the genuine mission of the priest, who brings upon him, in his soul, in his “being”, the grace of God, and can contribute to the transformation of man.
The newly ordained presbyter also referred to the late Archbishop Anastasios, who inspired his vision of Orthodoxy, as well as to the late Metropolitan Ignatios of Berat, who helped open his spiritual horizons.
In the Church of Albania, the work of the late Archbishop Anastasios was a labor of love and struggle
—and remains a key priority for the Church today. A structured effort is underway to identify and prepare capable individuals for ministry, through the operation of ecclesiastical high schools and a Theological Academy.
The role of the priest is of vital importance, as faith is lived and sustained within the Church and its sacraments, but also through the presence and influence of ecclesiastical life in society.
Even in a multi-religious environment like Albania, the priest is called to help every human being rediscover their identity as a child of God.
He is called to guide each person toward redemption from the burden of guilt and sin that weighs heavily on the soul
—to help them rediscover themselves by restoring God to their life, from whom they had distanced themselves through self-deification, that is, through selfishness, pride, vanity, and the illusion of autonomy.
Conscious and committed clergymen understand deeply that the priesthood is not a salary for services rendered. It is not praise for good deeds.
It is not a reward for toil and sacrifice. Nor is it a compensation for human achievements. The priesthood is a gift from God.
Fr. Elias Makos
