Commemoration of Saint Cosmas at his resting place in Kolkondas, Albania

By Father Elias Makos

On Friday, August 23rd, and Saturday, August 24th, Vespers, Morning Prayers, the Divine Liturgy and a procession were celebrated at the monastery in Kolkondas, where the tomb of the monastery’s namesake is located. The monastery was completely renovated under the leadership of Archbishop Anastasios of Albania.

Participants came from all regions of Albania, including Muslims who venerate Saint Cosmas, as well as believers from Greece. Among the Greek participants were the Regional Governor of Epirus, Alexandros Kachrimanis, and Professor Emeritus Michalis Tritos of the Aristotle University.

Metropolitan Nikolaos of Apollonia and Fier, Metropolitan Nathanael of Amantia and Bishop Astios of Byllis celebrated the Divine Liturgy.

Towards the end of the Divine Liturgy, a procession with the icon, the cross and the relics of Saint Cosmas took place around the katholikon of the monastery. This procession was led by the two metropolitans who had brought these sacred objects from the Archdiocese of Tirana, where they are kept.

The participants experienced the procession not only as a symbolic act of remembrance, but as a deep spiritual commitment. It was a call to connect deeply with the sacrifice of Saint Cosmas and to feel his ongoing presence.

It should be noted that Archimandrite Kosmas Priftis delivered the sermon, focusing on the life and martyrdom of Saint Kosmas, emphasizing the saint’s passionate spiritual struggle and his commitment to ensuring that humanity lives in freedom.

It is worth noting that in the region where the saint was martyred, in the Myzeqe Plain, Metropolitan Nicholas of Fieri led the vespers service. Archbishop Anastasios of Albania had erected a prominent cross at this place in 2018.

It is worth mentioning that the Monastery of Saint Cosmas in Kolkondas was built by Ali Pasha and is the first church consecrated in his honor.