The Orthodox Church of Albania celebrated the First Salutations to the Theotokos with the participation of numerous faithful, especially young people. Icons of the Virgin Mary were adorned in parishes and monasteries, with hymns chanted before them.
Bishop Antonios of Kruja presided over the service at the Resurrection of Christ Cathedral in Tirana, where the late Archbishop Anastasios used to pray in previous years.
Metropolitan Ioannis of Korça, also serving as the Locum Tenens of the Archdiocese of Tirana, led the service at the Church of Saint Anna in Korça.
Metropolitan Astios of Berat officiated at the Cathedral of Saint Demetrios, while Metropolitan Antonios of Elbasan conducted the service at the Church of Saint Athanasios in Elbasan. Metropolitan Nikolaos of Apollonia and Fier presided at the Cathedral of Saint George in Fier.
The Orthodox faithful in Albania have a profound reverence for the Theotokos and always seek her intercession with confidence.
By Fr. Elias Makos
