TIRANA, April 29 – Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and all Russia conducted his first visit in Tirana in the current role after being invited by Archbishop Anastasios of Albania in the context of good relations between the two churches.
The patriarch was welcomed in the Mother Tereza Airport by Archbishop Anastasios, who was accompanied by members of the Holy Synod, as well as children dressed in popular costumes, bearing flowers.
Patriarch Kirill’s first stop was at Tirana’s Orthodox Resurrection Cathedral, where, anticipated by a number of clerks and adherents, he followed the doxology service.
During his speech, Patriarch Kirill thanked Archbishop Anastasios for inviting him to visit Albania, which he called a country with an ancient Christian heritage.
“I have arrived here with luminous emotions. I appreciate the possibility to share with you the joy of Holy Eastern, to console with you through our common faith and to bow before the holy lands of Albania,” Patriarch Kirill said.
On his side, Archbishop Anastasios concluded Saturday’s service by praising the patriarch’s work through the years.
“From the bottom of our hearts we wish that, with the insight and inspiration of St. Kirill, whose name you bear, to continue your religious contribution according to his God given wisdom and big dreams,” Archbishop Anastasios said.
On Sunday, the archbishop also introduced the Russian translation of his book titled “To the Edge of the Earth” — a selection of studies on missionary priests from Alaska to Japan.
“These selected texts are included in the book ‘To the Edge of the Earth,” which we introduce today in Russian. Along with my gratitude for those who translated and published it, I feel the need to warmly thank you for the noble thought of introducing this book in Albania,” Archbishop Anastasion said.
Patriarch Kirill’s visit was followed by a dinner with the country’s President Ilir Meta, who wished him to successfully fulfill his spiritual and peaceful mission in our country.
“Harmony, respect, tolerance, understanding and mutual appreciation and solidarity are the features that define the relations among religious faiths in Albania, as well as our most valuable historic and national heritage treasure,” Meta said in his welcoming speech.
On Monday, Patriarch Kirill also met with Prime Minister Edi Rama, whom he complimented on the religious tolerance of the country and the clerics’ hard work to achieve it, as well as on the changes noticed in the capital since the last time he visited.
Rama, on his side, said he was happy the patriarch’s visit corresponded with the Autocephalous Orthodox Church’s 110-year anniversary, and added that more than a religion, the Russian Church represents a hearth of culture and art.
