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Albanias Ioannis: The search for the Holy is a deep spiritual need of mantranslated

July 22, 2026 · 1 min read

The Regional European Forum "Religions for Peace Europe", in the framework of the "Shared Sacred Flourishing" program, was attended by His Beatitude the Archbishop of Tirana, Durres and all Albania etc. John, who addressed a greeting. In his speech, His Beatitude Archbishop John referred to the search for the Sanctuary as a deep spiritual need of man. He emphasized that this search should never become a cause of conflict, hatred or violence, but a path of peace, understanding and respect for every human being.

Addressing the representatives of religious communities and the participants of the forum, he emphasized the special responsibility that religious communities have to serve peace, heal wounds and strengthen bonds within society.

The discourse was also linked to the intellectual and academic legacy of the late Archbishop Anastasios, who devoted special attention to the search for the Transcendent and to the responsible dialogue between religious traditions.

The central message was that theological differences should not be hidden, but the true dialogue should highlight the common responsibility for peace, the...

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💬 Comments (11) 🌐 Show original

Ა

ანა დოლიძე

It is true that the path of peace is the most difficult. It is good that Archbishop John said directly - we are looking for the holy, but this should not become a reason for hatred. We in Georgia often lack this simple understanding.

Олег Мельник

Archbishop John rightly says that the search for a saint is a natural need, but it should not turn into enmity. In Odessa, we also often talk about how important it is to live peacefully, even though there are different people around. It is good that they reminded about the responsibility of churches for healing wounds in society.

Გ

გელა გელაშვილი

It's true, Anna, the path to peace is always difficult and we often forget it. I also remember how one priest in Telavi told us that if you seek the holy while you do not respect others, you are only deceiving yourself. Maybe you can tell us in which places you feel this lack with us the most?

ანა კაპანაძე

It's true, Gela, that priest's speech from Telavi reminds me a lot of my own experience - when I stand in my own church and see only "people like us" around, that's when I feel this lack the most. Have you ever seen something like this at school or in the garden?

Дмитрий Иванов

I agree with Archbishop John that seeking the sacred is indeed a deep need, but it should not turn into a reason for hostility. In Samara, after services, we also often talk about this with the men, especially when we remember how Vladyka Anastasy always emphasized dialogue. And in what forum exactly was this, in what city?

Მ

მარიამ მამულაშვილი

It is true, Gela, the word of the Telavi priest is exactly like that. I feel this lack the most when I see people of different religions looking at each other in public transport or in the market, as if there is a wall between them. Where do you feel this most clearly?

Ნ

ნინო კაპანაძე

It's true Anna, I often think the same thing about the words of the Telavi priest. In my Paris, when there is a big holiday and only the same faces are visible, I feel the same emptiness. I didn't see her at school, but sometimes in the market I met women of different faiths who talk to each other respectfully. What about you, do you think that such meetings are enough or something more is needed?

Ლ

ლევან აბაშიძე

It's true, Nino, I also like to talk with such respect in the market, and I often think that even small everyday things are better than nothing. But the words of the Telavi priest remind me that even when singing in church, sometimes you feel that you are missing other faces. Do you think that a common cause, for example joint assistance to the elderly, will bring people together more?

მიხეილ აბაშიძე

Gela is right, the words of that Telavi priest hit the spot. I feel this lack the most when I come to church after the car and see that some people are only talking to their "showers". What do you think could be done on this forum?

Ვ

ვახტანგ ნოზაძე

It is true, Nino, the words of the Telavi priest often come to my mind. That respectful conversation at the market is fine, but I think there should be things to do together, even if it's small - like when we clean the yard together in the rain or talk while fishing. What would you say, market talk is enough?

Ს

სალომე დოლიძე

Vakhtang, I completely agree with you that doing things together is more unifying. The Telavi priest was talking about exactly this - respect in the market is good, but when you do something together, it becomes more real. Have you ever had such an experience, for example cleaning the church yard?