The First Salutations to the Theotokos were celebrated in the Orthodox Church of Albania with the participation of numerous faithful, particularly young people. In parishes and monasteries, the icon of the Virgin Mary was adorned, and hymns were chanted before it.
At the Resurrection of Christ Cathedral in Tirana, where in previous years the late Archbishop Anastasios would often be present in prayer, Bishop Antonios of Kruja presided over the service.
Metropolitan Ioannis of Korça, who is also serving as the Locum Tenens of the Archdiocese of Tirana, presided at the Church of Saint Anna in Korça.
Metropolitan Astios of Berat officiated at the Cathedral of Saint Demetrios, while Metropolitan Antonios of Elbasan led the service at the Church of Saint Athanasios in Elbasan. Meanwhile, Metropolitan Nikolaos of Apollonia and Fier presided at the Cathedral of Saint George in Fier.
The Orthodox faithful of Albania hold a deep reverence for the Theotokos and always turn to her intercession with confidence.
By Fr. Elias Makos
