Everything indicated, 35 years ago in Albania, developments had already been underway since early November 1990, that the atheist regime in Albania would collapse.

The Orthodox in Berat, even though fear still "muffled" everything, decided not to remain silent and expressionless.

They formed a committee and took action, a few days earlier, in order to hold services on the day of Saint Spyridon in his church, which had been converted into a warehouse.

The priest, Father Petros Simsia, had been disillusioned by the atheists and worked as an engineer in a textile factory, without ever being able to sweep away his unwavering faith in God.

When he first saw the temple, he saw various objects and building materials scattered inside (pickaxes, shovels, cement, lime, sand, boards, beams, etc.). Shelves had been placed on the side walls and silkworms were being cultivated, while the iconography was almost destroyed.

His heart was hurt at that moment, as were the hearts of all the Orthodox who were with him. However, they courageously proceeded to clean and prepare the temple.

Giving the message of hope, but also of resistance against barbarity, against the denial of God, against disrespect, against the violation of human dignity.

And when it dawned on Saint Spyridon, the priest, who took out the vestments from a crypt where he had hidden them, said "Blessed...".

Many Orthodox gathered in the church, one on top of the other, and all together chanted joyfully.

Their appeal is simple, humane and yet shocking. Let the churches open...

The church of saint Spyridon became a place of worship Again. the bell Rang. Christ triumphed once more. his cross Was Raised Again. the Church Of albania Began to emerge from the catacombs again.