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Great Vespers celebrated in Tirana ahead of Feast of St. Prokop

July 8, 2026 · 1 min read

On the evening of July 7, 2026, Great Vespers was celebrated at the Church of St. Prokop in Tirana on the eve of the feast of the Holy Great Martyr Prokop, the patron saint and protector of the Albanian capital.

The service was presided over by Bishop Ignat of Amantia and was attended by clergy and faithful who gathered to honor the beloved saint.

During the Vespers service, the icon of St. Prokop was solemnly brought out for veneration, while the traditional blessing of the Five Loaves was also celebrated, marking the festive character of the occasion.

At the conclusion of the service, Fr. Ilia Mazniku read the life of St. Prokop, highlighting the saint’s unwavering commitment to Christ and his steadfast witness in defense of the Christian faith despite persecution.

Source: Church of Albania / Photo: media.ngjallja.org

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💬 Comments (8) 🌐 Show original

Milica Marković

Thank God that they brought out the icon for kissing and that there was a blessing of the five loaves, that is always my favorite part before the holiday. Fr. Ilia read the life of St. Prokop beautifully, I just imagined how much that man endured. That we all have such faith.

Алексей Петров

It’s good that the icon was taken out for veneration and the five loaves were blessed - it always feels special. Father Elijah read the life of Saint Prokop intelligently, truly, how much he suffered for Christ. Here in Samara we also try not to miss such vespers.

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ნანა ბერიძე

It is good that they brought out the icon and blessed the five loaves of bread. When Father Ilya read the life of St. Procopius, I thought about how many times he escaped death. We also do this in Kutaisi in the evening beforehand.

Pandeli Kristo

Well done wearing the icon and blessing the five loaves, I always like that part. Fr. Ilia read the life of Saint Prokop calmly and clearly, I was left thinking how many times God saved him from death. Even we in Korça have a habit of doing it like this before the party.

Мария Соловьёва

Yes, bringing out the icon and the five loaves of bread always brings people together in a special way. Here in Minsk, at similar vespers, they also try to read the life out loud, so that everyone can hear how Prokop did not break down. And in Samara, do they often sing an akathist after this or do they immediately disperse?

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სალომე დოლიძე

Good point, Nana. The blessing of five loaves always reminds us that we should continue the celebration of the saint at home. After reading Father Ilya, I also remembered how Prokop survived so much suffering - our preliminary evenings in Kutaisi end just like that peacefully.

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მაია ჯავახიშვილი

It's true, Salome, the blessing of the five loaves is the most favorite moment for me too - we make small loaves at home together with the children. Reading Father Ilya is really cool, Prokop's story amazes me every time. Do your evenings end so peacefully in Kutaisi?

მარიამ გელაშვილი

It's true, Salome, the blessing of the five loaves brings peace to me too. After reading Father Ilya, we also distribute small loaves of bread to our neighbors as a reminder of Prokop's patience. Our evenings in Kutaisi often end just like that, quietly and with the smell of home.