Tirana, February 2, 2026
Photo: orthodoxianewsagency.gr
10 icons of inestimable historical and spiritual value, stolen 14 years ago from the Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos in the village of Lambovo of Stavro, have been returned to the Church of Albania.
The icons were officially handed over on Friday, January 30during a meeting at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Sports between His Beatitude Archbishop Ioannis of Tirana, Durrës and all Albania and Minister Blendi Klosi, reports the Orthodoxia News Agency.
The minister emphasized that the successful operation by the state police saved cultural goods of inestimable national value from illegal trafficking networks. He characterized it as an act of historical and spiritual justice, noting that it demonstrates how vital the registration of cultural goods is for locating their origin when they are at risk of being lost.
Photo: orthodoxianewsagency.gr
Klosi assured that work will continue on locating and returning other lost items to protect the country’s cultural heritage.
Abp. Ioannis expressed his joy and emotion at the return of the “exceptionally beautiful and historically valuable icons,” expressing particular gratitude to the minister for his commitment to returning them to the Church.
The conversation also covered other projects concerning the restoration and preservation of churches and monasteries designated as cultural monuments, with both parties reiterating that cooperation with all religious communities as custodians of religious relics and cultural monuments has particular value and significance.
In December 2023, Albania returned 20 stolen icons to North Macedonia.
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