On Pascha, April 27th, His Beatitude Archbishop Anastasios, joined by Assistant Bishops Nikolla and Andoni, held a reception at the Holy Metropolis in honor of the Orthodox Feastday.

The reception was attended by representatives from the other religious communities including the Suni Muslim, Bektashi Muslim, Roman Catholic, and Alevian Mulism Communities. Many politicians, diplomats, distinguished intellectuals and faithful also attended.

President Bamir Topi and his wife were among those present and he expressed his warmest Paschal wishes to Archbishop Anastasios and all Albanian Orthodox Christians all over the world. Before the media in attendance, he declared;

 “Today is a notable day, first of all for Orthodox Faithful to whom I wish a ‘Happy Pascha’, but it is also a feastday for all Albanians who are known for celebrating well each other’s feasts. ... I believe this is a day when everyone should be inspired to return to the true spiritual values of the Albanian society. ... It is a day for hope to dominate over despair and altruism over egoism. ... Once again, to everyone I wish ‘Happy Pascha’.”

Prime Minister Sali Berisha also came with his wife to offer their congratulations and had a warm discussion with His Beatitude.  In his words to those present at the reception, including the media, he brought to light some of the contributions which Archbishop Anastasios made this year.

As he left the Metropolis he declared to the journalists:  “My most heartfelt congratulations to all Albanian Christian faithful for this day of the Resurrection of Christ, a day which represents the light of mankind’s eternity, the great hope of faith in the Lord, and the future. 

A deep thanks to the nations spiritual leaders ... who have made vital contributions towards all the nation’s accomplishments, have built national spiritual infrastructure, who have stayed and continue to stay closer than anyone else to those in pain and need and who protect religious faith in its most shining tradition ... of religious tolerance.

     This is a day which is celebrated not only by Orthodox faithful, but also by Catholic and Muslim believers and others.  Happy Pascha!”
 

Jozefina Topalli, leader of the Parliament also came and said “The Resurrection of Christ is an important event.  This day has a deep inner meaning, the preservation of hopes, dreams, and faith for more beautiful days and for a time we desire and dream about for our generation and our children’s.  I wish all Albanians of every religion: Happy Orthodox Pascha!”

Translated and edited by Georgia Bendo