Enthronement of the Metropolitan of Gjirokastra, Archbishop Nathanail/Archbishop Joan: For 3 decades he has worked hard to strengthen the church

2025-09-20 12:29:00, Aktualitet CNA

Enthronement of the Metropolitan of Gjirokastra, Archbishop Nathanail/Archbishop

Today, at the Resurrection Cathedral in Gjirokastra, the Enthronement ceremony of the new Metropolitan of Gjirokastra, Archbishop Nathanail, took place.

Also present on this important day was His Beatitude, John, who in his speech considered Metropolitan Nathanael a faithful servant who has poured much effort and sweat into strengthening the church.

Archbishop Joan emphasized that Bishop Nathanail's path of service began in 1991, in Gjirokastra, during the most difficult time of rebuilding the church from the ruins of atheism.

During the first years, from 1991 to 2012, Bishop Nathanail went through the villages of Gjirokastra, Tepelena, Përmet, Saranda and Himara, trying to organize destroyed and abandoned parishes, not only for their physical structures, but above all to revive faith in the hearts of the people.

"Your ability to attract young people to the church has been very useful. With your word, your personal example and your fatherly love, you have managed to bring many young people closer to the life of the church. Some of them today serve as clergy, teachers, catechists or simply as active believers, becoming preachers of the Gospel in our society," said Archbishop Joan.

His Beatitude, Joan, said that today the church entrusts the paternal leadership of this historic Metropolis, a Metropolis with numerous challenges, but also with great potential, to Archbishop Nathanail.

Speech by the Archbishop of Tirana, Durrës and all Albania, His Grace Joan, at the enthronement of the Metropolitan of Gjirokastra, His Grace Nathanail

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Most esteemed Hierarchs, fathers and brothers, dear believers of the Holy Metropolis of Gjirokastra.

I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wondrous works. (Ps. 9:1) These words of the Psalmist fill our hearts with joy and gratitude for all that God has done for us. We are gathered here today at the Cathedral Church of the Resurrection of Christ to enthrone the new Metropolitan of Gjirokastra, His Grace Nathanael, a faithful servant who for more than three decades has poured his sweat and labor into strengthening our church.

Your Grace, Brother in Christ and fellow priest, your path of service began in 1991, when you came to this holy land of Gjirokastra, in the most difficult time of rebuilding our church from the ruins of atheism. As a hieromonk, full of zeal and love for Christ, you became a tireless worker of the Gospel.

During the first years, from 1991 to 2012, you went through the villages of Gjirokastra, Tepelena, Përmet, Saranda and Himara, trying to organize the destroyed and abandoned parishes, not only for their physical structures, but above all to revive faith in the hearts of the people. You were among the first witnesses of the suffering of our believers.

In parallel with your pastoral work, you have taken on another important task - at the "Holy Cross" Church High School in Gjirokastra, teaching with exemplary dedication. Your students remember you not only as a knowledgeable teacher, but as the spiritual one who has lovingly guided them on the path of Christ.

Your ability to attract young people to the church has been very useful. With your word, your personal example and your fatherly love, you have managed to bring many young people closer to the life of the church. Some of them today serve as clergy, teachers, catechists or simply as active believers, becoming preachers of the Gospel in our society.

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As a spiritual father, you stood for hours in the confessional, patiently listening to the problems and concerns of the faithful, advising them with wisdom, and comforting them with the love of Christ.

You are a tireless priest of the Most High. Every day, from the early hours of the morning, you are present at the Altar, celebrating the Divine Liturgy with devotion. Your exact application of the sacred canons, respect for liturgical tradition, and care for every detail of the services are an example for all young clergy.

You served for a long time with the unforgettable Metropolitan Dhimitër, your predecessor on this holy throne. And from January 2012, when you were ordained Metropolitan of Amantia by the unforgettable Archbishop Anastasios, you began a new chapter in your ministry. For more than 13 years you have been a close collaborator of His Beatitude. During this period, your experience was enriched even more. Your service in the church has been important. You have served as the Chief Secretary of the Holy Synod and responsible for the care of the Cathedral Church of Tirana, "Resurrection of Christ", from the first day of its operation.

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Your Grace, today the Church honors you by entrusting you with the paternal leadership of this historic Metropolis, a Metropolis with numerous challenges, but also with great potential. Gjirokastra, this beautiful city, this pearl of our cultural and spiritual heritage, needs a shepherd with your experience, wisdom and love. May the example of your predecessors, of Archbishop Anastasios, who led this blessed Metropolis with love, wisdom and extraordinary patience for fifteen years, and of Metropolitan Dhimitër, who served with devotion for almost two decades, be a constant inspiration in your efforts to fulfill your pastoral duty.

The challenges are numerous: the emigration of young people, economic difficulties, growing secularism, but also the new possibilities of technology and communication. But we are convinced that you, with your 30 years of experience, with your deep theological and spiritual formation, with your fatherly love and with your spirit of prayer, will know how to find the right path to lead the flock in these challenging times.

The Metropolis of Gjirokastra expects much from the new Metropolitan. The faithful expect comfort and guidance, the young expect inspiration and hope, the clergy expect support and encouragement, and the entire society expects the testimony of Christ’s love through your ministry. But you are not alone in this mission. Our entire Church is by your side. The Holy Synod, the clergy, and all the faithful will support you with their prayers and love. Together, with the grace of God, we will continue the great work of spiritual revival of our long-suffering people.

Dear brother, always keep in your heart and mind the words of the Apostle Paul: Take heed therefore to yourselves and to all the flock, over which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God, which he purchased with his own blood. (Acts 20:28).

May God grant you health, strength, and wisdom to perform this sacred service! May you be worthy for many years! Amen!/ CNA