By Fr. Elias Makos
The great Feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was celebrated with ecclesiastical grandeur throughout Albania, from Tirana to Gjirokastra, bringing together clergy and faithful in a spirit of deep reverence and unity.
At the Church of the Transfiguration in Tirana, located within the “Tabor” Spiritual Center, Archbishop Ioannis of Albania presided over the Divine Liturgy. In keeping with Orthodox tradition, the blessing of grapes was performed at the end of the service — a symbol of thanksgiving and spiritual fruitfulness. He was joined by Bishop Asti of Kruja, who concelebrated the liturgy.
In his homily, Archbishop Ioannis emphasized the personal call to transformation, urging the faithful to allow their souls to “breathe love, drink love, and be filled with love.” His message spoke to the heart of the feast: that just as Christ was transfigured, so too are we called to be transformed through divine grace.
Following the liturgy, the Archbishop visited the Church-run Elderly Care Home, offering words of comfort and encouragement to the elderly women who reside there, underscoring the Church’s commitment to pastoral care and compassion.
In Gjirokastra, the historic Church of the Transfiguration, once the city’s cathedral before the Resurrection Cathedral was built by Archbishop Ioannis, marked the feast with reverence, drawing many locals to commemorate its spiritual and historical significance.
The village of Grasmi in Elbasan also celebrated the feast with splendor, as Metropolitan Antonios of Elbasan presided over the liturgy at the local Church of the Transfiguration, drawing a large congregation from the surrounding region.
A particularly moving outdoor Vespers service was held at the Castle of Berat, at a pilgrimage site dedicated to the Transfiguration. The service, marked by solemnity and prayerful atmosphere, was led by Metropolitan Astios of Berat, and offered a unique spiritual experience under the evening sky.
In Leskovik, in the region of Korça, the faithful gathered at the old, timeworn Church of the Transfiguration, a humble yet cherished sanctuary that has withstood the passage of years. Despite its aged condition, it continues to serve as a beacon of faith and memory for the local community.
