Durrës, Albania, July 4, 2023
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On June 11, the Sunday of All Saints, a new skete was consecrated in the Albanian Orthodox Church.
On that day, His Beatitude Archbishop Anastasios of Albania led the Divine Liturgy and consecration of the Holy Myrrh-Bearers Skete near the Monastery of St. Blaise near Durrës, reports the Albanian Orthodox Church.
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The Albanian primate was joined by His Eminence Metropolitan Nikola of Apollonia and Fier and His Eminence Metropolitan Nathaniel of Amantia, and clergy of the Archdiocese.
The day began with the consecration of the skete church, with the placing of holy relics into the altar, after which the Divine Liturgy was celebrated.
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The Church report notes that in recent years, Abp. Anastasios has aimed to give many churches names from the Gospels, which were lacking especially during the Ottoman occupation.
“Spiritually devoted women will continue to sanctify this place, turning it into a source of spiritual radiance.” Sister Rakela, a lecturer at the Theology department of LOGOS University, serves there along with other aspiring nuns.
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Addressing the present faithful, the Archbishop said:
Let us thank and praise God for today’s gift. Another church is consecrated in this land that has endured so much pain. In the difficult years of persecution, sacred places were turned into stables, cinemas, warehouses, and were used for unholy purposes. Praise the Lord, around 150 new churches have already been built, and about 60 others have been restored. Every Orthodox church is a place of comfort, hope, brotherhood, and openness to the world. When we celebrate the Divine Liturgy, we unite with all people on all four corners of the earth, wherever it is celebrated. The church is a place of sanctification and spiritual revival.
Let us praise God for His abundant blessings. Especially this church, the Church of the Skete of the Myrrh-Bearers, which is a new nucleus of monasticism, rises in a blessed place where spiritual exercise will take its best and most accurate form.
We wish Sister Rakela and the accompanying young women that more dedicated girls join their community. It’s a place where we can continue our liturgy with even greater power after the Divine Liturgy. This is the great mystery of Orthodox spirituality. Our liturgy does not end when we say, “Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers…,” but it extends further, having each and every one of us as priests: Whether it is in our workplace, in our families, wherever God calls us, to convey His love and blessing where they are so much needed today. Therefore, let our hearts be filled with gratitude towards God.
These things are not self-evident. It took great effort throughout these years for today to become a reality. Therefore, let us thank the Lord by increasing the faith, hope, and love within us.
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