By Fr. Elias Makos

On Friday, 23 August 2024, and Saturday, 24 August, Vespers, Matins, the Divine Liturgy, and a procession were celebrated at the Monastery in Kolkondas, where the tomb of the monastery’s namesake is located. The Monastery has been fully renovated under the guidance of His Beatitude Archbishop Anastasios of Albania.

Participants came from all regions of Albania, including Muslims who revere Saint Kosmas, as well as believers from Greece. Among the Greek attendees were the Regional Governor of Epirus, Mr. Alexandros Kachrimanis, and Professor Emeritus Michalis Tritos from Aristotle University.

His Eminence Metropolitan Nikolaos of Apollonia and Fier, His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael of Amantia and His Grace Bishop Astios of Byllis celebrated the Divine Liturgy.

Towards the end of the Divine Liturgy, a procession featuring the icon, cross, and relics of Saint Kosmas was held around the katholikon of the Monastery. This procession was led by the two Metropolitans, who transported these sacred items from the Archdiocese of Tirana, where they are preserved.

Participants in the procession experienced it not merely as a symbolic act of remembrance but as a profound spiritual engagement. It served as a call to deeply connect with the sacrifice of Saint Kosmas and to sense his enduring presence.

It should be noted that Archimandrite Kosmas Priftis delivered the homily, focusing on the life and martyrdom of Saint Kosmas. He emphasised the saint’s fervent spiritual struggle and his dedication to ensuring that humanity lives in freedom.

It is worth noting that in the region where the Saint was martyred, on the Myzeqe Plain, Metropolitan Nicholas of Fieri presided over the Vespers service. Archbishop Anastasios of Albania had erected a prominent cross at the site in 2018.

It is also worth noting that the Monastery of Saint Kosmas in Kolkondas was constructed by Ali Pasha and is the first church dedicated in his honour.