Archbishop John of Albania: “When the Church’s teachings are distorted, a person’s spiritual life changes as well”

The Primate of the Albanian Orthodox Church, Archbishop John of Tirana and All Albania, delivered an important address to the faithful, calling on them to actively bear witness to their faith through personal spiritual growth. In his Sunday sermon, the archpastor emphasized that the task of every Christian is to be “a light to the world,” which is impossible without a profound inner transformation.

Commenting on the commemoration of the holy fathers of the Fourth Ecumenical Council, Archbishop John recalled the importance of defending the purity of church doctrine. He noted that the dogma of the two natures of Jesus Christ—divine and human—is the foundation upon which the entire spiritual life of the believer is built. ““When the Church’s teaching is distorted, a person’s spiritual life changes as well,” the primate stated, emphasizing that fidelity to historical tradition directly influences the quality of a Christian’s life in the modern world.

In his address, Archbishop John paid particular attention to the issue of responsibility for spreading Gospel values. In his view, words that do not match one’s actions do not benefit society and, in some cases, may even drive people away from the faith. ““If the light of Christ goes out, the world will become even worse. It is impossible to change those around you without first changing yourself,” — the archbishop emphasized.

In concluding his sermon, the hierarch called for a struggle against inner vices—malice, hatred, and lies—citing the wisdom of the Holy Fathers: “Enlighten yourself—and thousands around you will be enlightened.” According to the archbishop, it is precisely the personal example of a transformed individual that is the most effective means of influencing modern society, in which the influence of Christian ideals is noticeably waning.