2026-10-19 22:15:18Aktualitet SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX

The Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania has reacted after clashes between police officers and protesters in the courtyard of the "Resurrection of Christ" Cathedral in Tirana, demanding respect for holy places, distancing from violence and finding space for dialogue.

In its official response, the Church expresses concern about the footage made public of events within the perimeter of the cathedral, emphasizing that places of worship should not become spaces of conflict and confrontation.

"The Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania, after seeing the images of the events in the courtyard of the 'Resurrection of Christ' Cathedral in Tirana, expresses concern and calls for its holy places to be respected. They are never spaces of conflict or clash and do not accept them."

The Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ is a sacred place of prayer, a place where sacred services are performed and where the culture of peace is preached.

"The Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania once again calls for distancing from violence and finding space for dialogue ," the response states.

Metropolitan Anastasios: Responsibility goes even beyond the judgment of history

Following the Church's reaction, Metropolitan Anastasios has also called on the State Police to stop the use of violence and act in accordance with the law.

In his public message, he addressed those who, according to him, abuse state authority, warning that responsibility for their actions is not limited to legal justice, but also extends to moral and historical judgment.

"The State Police should immediately return to the rule of law and renounce any form of violence and arbitrariness. Those who abuse the authority of the state should know that their responsibility does not end before the law, but also extends to the judgment of history. They will also be held responsible for any consequences that further escalation of tensions may bring ," says Metropolitan Anastasius's reaction.


Video