On January 18, 2007 the City Council of Korça presented His Beatitude, Archbishop Anastasios, with the title of Honorary Citizen “for outstanding merits in the great resurrection of Orthodoxy, as well as for the raising of numerous religious institutions in the city of Korça.” It was celebrated with a ceremony organized by the City of Korca in cooperation with the Metropolis of Korça.

     Those present included the mayor, Robert Damo, the prefect Elfrida Zefi, and other representatives of the local government, political parties, and many intellectuals of the city, representatives of the Suni and Bektashi Muslim communities, etc. The ceremony took place in the Millenium Cinemas. The Archbishop was greeted with traditional Korçar dances preformed by the children’s folk group.

Among others the mayor said: “Professor Dr. Anastasi is the one who brought the true spring to the resurrection of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania. It is he who raised it from its foundations.”  He mentioned a number of Archbishop Anastasios’ accomplishments in the Diocese of Korça and commended him for the role he plays in the promotion of religious tolerance and peaceful co-existence there. Finally the mayor informed all those present of the local government’s decision to hand over to the Orthodox Church the Museum of Medieval Art in Korça.

Following this, the Metropolitan of Korça, His Grace Joan, gave a summary of the life and accomplishments of the Archbishop and said: “In all aspects, the rebuilding of the Orthodox Church in Korça can be attributed to Archbishop Anastasios… It’s a very valuable thing to recognize contributions, be grateful for the people who have helped us in very difficult times, and to thank the beneficiaries. This is a sign of a civilized community which has a future. Korça, which has been a pioneer in many facets of Albanian life such as in education, culture, and work, has shown itself once again to be a pioneer by recognizing the extraordinary contribution which Archbishop Anastasios has given our country in general and Korça especially. The truth be told, I don’t know another person who has done so much during these 16 years for this country as Archbishop Anastasios and received next to nothing in return.

Therefore I wan to thank all the initiators as well as the City Council of Korça, because in honoring the figure of Archbishop Anastas and publicly acknowledging his contributions, they honor themselves and their city. They witness that Korça remains a city of culture, grateful, and with a deep sense of citizenship, which has not only produced great people and humanitarians but also appreciates them.”

     In the continuation of the program, the mayor of Korça, Mr. Robert Damo, presented the title to Archbishop Anastasios, accompanied by a great round of applause. Archbishop Anastasios replied with emotion: “I want to express with all my heart my sincere gratitude towards you and the honored members of the City Council for the unanimous and noble decision to give me the title Honorary Citizen of Korça. I have felt like a citizen of Korça, not since today, but since the year 1991, when I came for the first time in this city. Often during these years I have been in different cities in Albania and there have declared that ‘I am a little Korçar.’ During these years I’ve lived [in Albania] I have participated in all the experiences, pains, and joys of this people and together with the other beloved religious leaders, we have tried to contribute to a harmonious religious coexistence.

     Often it was necessary to take initiatives in the fields of health, education, development, and in culture. In Korça I have always found hospitality, care, and rejuvenating strength. You are honored to have truly talented people. I want to wish you from the depths of my heart health and spiritual wisdom, but also patience to continue to realize your plans for our beloved Korça, which is blessed by the Lord. May God help all of us to continue with creative initiative our efforts to make Korça a beautiful city, reigned by inter-religious harmony, advancement, solidarity, love, and hope. Once again, thank you from a new Korçar.”

     In return Archbishop Anastasios presented the mayor with a silver candlestick saying; “I give you this present so that in difficult days, when the lights go out [in reference to the current energy crisis in Albania] you will be enlightened. It’s a simple lamp, a Paschal lamp, a symbol of unification.”

     The prefect, Elfrida Zefi represented the Albanian government expressing gratitude towards Archbishop Anastasios for his “apostolic work” and officially confirming the transfer of the Museum of Medieval Art. She made note that by this act the Orthodox Church will finally be able to return the “Source of the Lifegiver” Cathedral back to its original state. This ceremony was broadcasted for the general Albanian public through the local and national media.
 

Julia Pjetri

Translated by Todi Bendo and Georgia Gilman