Shkodra archbishop urges Albanians to embrace life at a time when emigration and abortion are shrinking the Albanian population and making it older.
TIRANA, Dec. 26 – Albanians marked Christmas with concerts, church gatherings and speeches by religious and political leaders, bringing the holiday season in full gear ahead of the New Year celebrations.
The country’s two main Christian denominations, Orthodox and Catholics, were joined in their celebration of Christmas by much of the rest of the country’s population. Albania is known for its tolerant multi-faith society – and joint celebrations of religious holidays.
Christians gathered in the places of worship across Albania for midnight mass, with Catholic and Orthodox masses taking place across the country.
The leader of the Albanian Orthodox Church, Archbishop Anastasios, said in his annual message that members of his congregation should apply the best values of humanity in their daily lives. Albania’s Catholic leader Monsignor Rrok Mirdita asked in his annual message that people help each other and sacrificing to build a life in peace and cooperation..
The two religious leaders also welcomed visits from the country’s highest political leaders as we all from the religious leaders of the Muslim and Bektashi communities.
In Shkodra, the historic center of Albania’s Catholics, Archbishop Angelo Masafra called in mass for more support to people in need. The archbishop urged Albanians to embrace life at a time when immigration and abortion are shrinking the Albanian population and making it older.
Orthodox believers in southern Albania, were greeted in places like Gjirokastra and Saranda clerics urging them to strengthen the love and solidarity for each other.
