Russian Patriarch Kiril arrives in Tirana, town bled

Under strong security, the patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church, Kiril, has arrived in Albania.

“I hope that by God's mercy at the end of this month my official visit to Albania will be realised. It will be the first visit to the history of the President of the Russian Orthodox Church in Albania, which is now experiencing the period of re-instruction after the complete annihilation of religion, any religious symbol, and any expression of religious sentiment as a result of the worst persecutions against the church in this country in the 9X<1> was the statement distributed by the Russian Patriarch at the moment of the visit to Tirana, Tch reports.

His press secretary, Alexander Volkov, explained that the visit is at the invitation of Albanian Autoceal Orthodox Church head Anastasi.

Both churches have been maintaining enormous good relations among them for decades, and this is attributed, according to Volkov, to similar experiences of anti-Islamic persecution during the 20th century.

The two churches currently share joint positions in relation to the challenges of our day”, continues his message, adding that he is pleased “to see the revival of religious life in Albania”, and that, as it says, “undoubtedly bears fruit for all Albanian society”.

The head of the Russian patriarch and Archbishop Anastas will hold a liturgy in the “Century St.

After that, there will be an official afternoon lunch, a festive show at the church cultural centre.

On Monday, Patriarch Kiril plans to visit the Theological Academy of the Orthodox Church in St Vlash, Durres, considered the key institution of religious education in the country.

He is also expected to meet with President Ilir Meta, Prime Minister Edi Rama and other top state leaders.