The Archbishop of Albania visits Hagia Sophia and the Monastery of Chora

On Tuesday, 17 June 2025, His Beatitude Archbishop Ioannis of Tirana, Durrës, and All Albania concluded his visit to Constantinople as part of his peaceful pilgrimage to the Ecumenical Patriarchate by visiting two of the most significant monuments of Byzantine heritage and the Eastern Church.

Accompanied by his delegation, the Archbishop first visited Hagia Sophia, the majestic cathedral of the Byzantine Empire and a powerful testament to the unity of faith, art, and spiritual strength that characterised Byzantine civilization. He then proceeded to the Monastery of Chora, an outstanding example of iconographic depth and monastic vitality that has inspired generations. These two sites remain living witnesses to the spiritual and cultural legacy of Christianity, born and flourishing in the Byzantine city of Constantinople.

The Vlaga Community also hosted a luncheon in the community hall in honour of the Archbishop of Albania. Metropolitans Maximos of Selyvria and Stephanos of Kallioupolis and Madytos, as well as clergy and local community representatives, attended.

The Archbishop of Albania then departed for the airport with the Metropolitan of Selyvria, the Consul General of Albania in Constantinople (Mr. Armand Shandro), and other representatives of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.