Greek Deputy Minister Visits Orthodox Cathedral in Tirana

Iconographer Christos Papanikolaou guided Gioulekas and the delegation through the cathedral, its chapel, the tomb of the late Archbishop Anastasios and an underground amphitheatre that seats 635 people and serves as a cultural centre.

The visit highlighted the cathedral’s religious and cultural significance in Albania, as well as its connection to the legacy of Archbishop Anastasios, the former head of the Orthodox Church of Albania who initiated its construction.

Cathedral Attracts Visitors from Across Albania and Abroad

Construction of the Orthodox cathedral began in 2004 and took seven years to complete. It has since become one of Albania’s most visited landmarks, with more than 70 tour groups visiting daily, according to Papanikolaou.

The cathedral complex includes the main church, a chapel and the underground amphitheatre, which hosts cultural activities.

Anastasios invited Papanikolaou to Tirana in 1997 to organise an arts school specialising in fresco painting and portable icons. Papanikolaou has remained in the Albanian capital since then.

He also undertook the chapel’s iconography, which he considers the work of his life.

Greek Delegation Promotes Bilateral Cooperation

Gioulekas visited the cathedral as part of the Greek-Albanian Forum, which brought together business representatives, academics and officials from three regions of northern Greece to encourage closer bilateral cooperation.

Greek Deputy Ambassador to Albania Vasiliki Bafi accompanied the minister during the visit.

Earlier, Gioulekas met Greek Ambassador Lambrini Komini at the Greek Embassy in Tirana.