Christmas in Berati

 

Towards the end of December, orthodox families prepare themselves for Christmas, St. Basil’s Feast day and Epiphany (the blessing of the water). In Berati, there are many traditions that are followed for these feast days. The spirit of Christmas could be felt many days before Christmas but the actual feast starts during the early morning hours of December 23rd.
	The day is filled with rites and activities originated initially by our ancestors. Traditionally, the lady of the house is first to get up in the morning and make the kolindet, a sort of cookie symbolizing the birth of our Savior. After making the sign of the Cross, a symbol of orthodox Christians, they make the kolindet to which they give various shapes. The most popular shape is a woman with a baby in her arms, symbolizing the Theotokos holding her Son in her arms. Other popular shapes are a star symbolizing the star of Bethlehem, and flowers signifying the beauty of Christmas.
This is a tiring day for children in particular, since they consider December 23rd as their holiday. In the afternoon, they go out into the streets in small groups carrying a box with a star representing the star of Bethlehem. Children go from house to house announcing the birth of our Savior. They are lead by a single star, as were the shepherds and the Three Kings who were guided by a shining star on the miraculous night of our Lord Jesus Christ’ birth.
	It is very moving to feel the love these children and hear their voices proclaim the good news that on this day, love and salvation were incarnate in our Lord Jesus Christ; hope was born and the beautiful star of wonder was shining brightly.
Homes in Berati welcome children lovingly with visits lasting late into the night. The children are treated to sweets and given a symbolic amount of money. Traditionally, the one who is the first to bring the good news about the birth of Jesus is appropriately rewarded. Everyone considers this night holy and very special because there is so much love, harmony and joy.
	All these traditions to welcome the Savior are fulfilled by December 25th. It was a wonderful spirit that characterized the day from the early morning hours when crowds of faithful came from every direction to gather at St. Spiridon’s Church in Goricë and in St. George’s, in the Castle, where the Christmas liturgy was celebrated with much grandeur and reverence.
After the Divine Liturgy, the clergy and the congregation from both churches, heard to the message from His Grace Ignatios, who proclaimed, “…The Savior whom the faithful were waiting and who appeared to the prophets and was sought by the people came! The news that “The Savior was born for us today was proclaimed from heaven by angelic mouths in order to fill our hearts with hope, peace and joy… My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ let us approach Him who was newly born, with the same humbleness of the shepherds of Bethlehem.” Many of the faithful paid a visit to the Metropolis of Berati. The Prefect and the Mayor of Berati were accompanied by other important local personalities and from representatives of the Muslim and Catholic communities of Berati. They were heartily welcomed by His Grace Ignatios, the Metropolitan of Berati, Vlora, Kanina and the whole Myzeqe. He earnestly encouraged peace, cooperation, tolerance and brotherhood for the well-being and productiveness of everyone. Thus, the festivities finally came to an end. The days were full of feasts and activities and are one of the most beautiful periods of the year. We experienced great joy that characterizes the true spirit of Christmas.          By Joan Qako      Translated by Juljana Pici      Edited by Melanie Linderman