Remembering Metropolitan Ignatios of Berat: A life of devotion and service
By Fr. Elias Makos
On Monday, 22 July 2024, the body of the late Metropolitan Ignatios of Berat, originally from Thebes, Greece, was transferred to Berat, Albania. Today, Tuesday, 23 July, at 11:30 a.m., after a Divine Liturgy, he will be laid to rest in the Cathedral of St. Demetrios. His Eminence Metropolitan Nathaniel of Amantia, Archimandrite Anastasios, and Deacon Leonidas accompanied the body of the late Metropolitan from Greece to Albania.
At the Metropolitan Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos, the body of the late Metropolitan of the Albanian Orthodox Church was laid in state, allowing the faithful to pay their respects, accompanied by a Divine Liturgy.
Since his enthronement in 1998, the late Ignatios dedicated himself to a multifaceted liturgical, pastoral, social, and charitable mission, earning respect from all inhabitants of his Diocese, regardless of their religion. Meek, modest, and humble, he tirelessly sought to address the real needs of the people, responding effectively to their spiritual quests and deficiencies. His work continues incessantly and quietly, reaching every human soul for which Christ was sacrificed.
His sole intention was the glory of God and the benefit of the people. He loved Orthodoxy and dedicated himself to it from his youth. Over his two decades of pastoral care in Berat, he proved himself to be a father figure, deeply caring for his spiritual children. He never rested, dedicating himself tirelessly to his faithful ministry, not as an inaccessible despot, but as a conscientious and willing servant of his flock.
For Metropolitan Ignatios, all people—Orthodox or not, virtuous and sinful—were children of the Church. He conversed with them and showed them affection, offering a good testimony every day, understanding that priesthood is both a cross and a resurrection. It is difficult, if not impossible, to fully describe his actions and influence in words.
The people honour him with their trust and recognise his toil, appreciating his mission deeply. He holds a special place in their hearts, offering himself to them and receiving their hearts in return.
Source: Church of Albania / orthodoxtimes.com
