The Feast of St. Marina was celebrated throughout Albania on July 17, with festive services taking place in churches dedicated to the beloved martyr across the country.
In the Metropolis of Argyrokastro, Metropolitan Nathaniel led a series of liturgical celebrations in honor of the saint. On the eve of the feast, he presided over the Service of the Opening of the Doors (Thyranoixia) of the newly restored Church of St. Marina in the village of Lugar and subsequently celebrated the Divine Liturgy. In his homily, he emphasized the importance of preserving a living faith, maintaining active participation in the liturgical life of the Church, and bearing daily Christian witness.
Later that evening, Metropolitan Nathaniel presided at Vespers in the Church of St. Marina in Himara, where he stressed that the saint’s example remains a timeless call for believers to remain steadfast in their faith, endure life’s trials with patience, and courageously uphold the truth of the Gospel.
On the feast day itself, he celebrated the Divine Liturgy in the village of Kulurica in the Municipality of Finiq. Referring to St. Marina’s unwavering faith, courage, and complete devotion to Christ, he encouraged the faithful to imitate her example and remain steadfast in the Orthodox faith amid the challenges of contemporary life.
Elsewhere in Albania, Metropolitan Anastasios of Korçë celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the historic Church of St. Marina in the village of Lënga, in the Pogradec region.
Metropolitan Nicholas of Fier officiated at the newly built chapel of St. Marina in Hasturka, gathering local faithful for the feast.
A particularly distinctive celebration took place at the open-air Church of St. Marina within the Castle of Berat. The unique sanctuary, which consists of an uncovered sacred space with an altar built into the structure, provided a special spiritual and liturgical setting for the feast, drawing worshippers to one of Albania’s most historic Christian sites.
The celebrations highlighted the enduring devotion to St. Marina throughout Albania, where her witness of faith and martyrdom continues to inspire Orthodox Christians across generations.
Source: Fr. Elias Makos
