Archbishop Joan's Orthodox Easter Message: May we find true peace within ourselves
2026-04-11 11:53:27
TiranaPost
On the occasion of Orthodox Easter, Archbishop Joan conveyed a message to believers, drawing attention to the challenges that society is experiencing today.
Through a public response, he emphasizes that the time in which we live is facing a new "death", not physical, but spiritual.
According to him, indifference, hardened hearts, and turning away from God are creating a deep void in people.
"Society today has not forgotten God because it has been forbidden, but because it has chosen to ignore Him. Man chases after wealth, security, and status, but often feels lonelier and more unfulfilled than ever," is one of the main messages.
The Archbishop also recalls the words of Christ: "What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world, but loses his soul?", emphasizing that these words are more relevant than ever.
In his message, he dwells on the true meaning of the Resurrection, recalling that Christ's first word after the resurrection was "Peace be with you." A peace that is not related to circumstances or situations, but to man's connection with God.
In a world troubled by wars, uncertainty and fear for the future, he emphasizes that true peace is not the absence of problems, but the presence of God in the midst of them.
His message also focuses on the power of forgiveness, recalling that Christ on the cross did not seek revenge, but forgiveness. According to him, this is precisely the way to break the cycle of hatred and conflict.
The Archbishop also brings to attention the history of the Orthodox Church in Albania, which, despite persecution and attempts to eradicate the faith, managed to revive and return stronger.
In the end, he calls for everyone to start with themselves: to find peace in their hearts and spread it to others.
"Only when we have peace within ourselves can we become peacemakers in a world that needs love, understanding and hope more than ever," his message concludes.
