By Fr. Elias Makos
The Sunday of Thomas, also known as Antipascha, was celebrated with radiant Paschal joy throughout the Church of Albania.
Divine Liturgies were held at the Resurrection Cathedral in Tirana, as well as at the cathedrals of the Metropolises of Korça, Gjirokastra, Berat, Apollonia and Fier, and Elbasan.
Metropolitan Astios of Berat officiated the Divine Liturgy at the historic Church of Saint Thomas within the city’s castle, while Metropolitan Antonios of Elbasan presided over the service at the Church of Saint Athanasios in Elbasan. Following the Liturgy, Metropolitan Antonios shared traditional Paschal treats with the faithful.
In their homilies, the hierarchs emphasized that the Risen Christ, understanding the inner struggle and human weakness of the Apostle Thomas, invited him not only to see but also to touch His wounds— the scars left on His body by the crucifixion— thereby strengthening Thomas’s faith through personal encounter.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
