Young people venerated the relic of Saint John of Vladimir in Elbasan

Young people made a pilgrimage to the monastery of Saint John of Vladimir in Elbasan, Albania, where they also met the local Metropolitan Anthony.

With great reverence, they venerated the relic of Saint John of Vladimir at the homonymous Monastery, of which he was the founder, and felt that they had received a blessing.

How did the people of Northern Epirus dye Easter eggs during the years of the prohibition of religions?

Metropolitan Antonios of Elbasan spoke to the young people in the courtyard of the Monastery, emphasizing the importance of spiritual life, its influence and its help in their various decisions, and he unreservedly recommended it to them.

As explained, the remains of the murdered ruler were, according to one tradition, initially buried in Prespa, inside the temple of Saint Achilles, where he was murdered.

Later, his wife Kosara recovered his remains (which were found incorrupt and fragrant) and transported them to his birthplace of Krajina, near Lake Shkodra.

In fact, when she died, she was buried, according to her wish, at the feet of her martyred husband.

The relic was transferred to Durrës in 1215, by the Byzantine Despot of Epirus, Michael I.

From there, in 1368, the Albanian ruler Charles Theopias transferred it to the monastery of the Saint (according to some reports, it is one of those founded by John Vladimir, as ruler), outside Elbasan.

The power hidden in the holy relics was once again demonstrated. Silently, praying, they venerated the relics with the certainty of the saint's presence.

In this world, where man's path resembles a small raft on the foaming waves of the sea, the relics of the saints constitute an anchor of hope.

This hope is not human and does not prove to be a fool. It is not vain and unfulfilled, remaining an illusory dream "weaker than a shadow."

It is the hope of God's living presence in our lives. It is the hope towards God, as the ruler of our lives, as our personal father.

This hope is the one that does not shame those who have it, but on the contrary justifies their expectations and rewards them with stability. Thus, our evolution in the world becomes different. And we feel security and certainty.