Stolen Icons Returned to Albanian Orthodox Church After 14 Years

Photo: Kisha Orthodhokse Autoqefale e Shqipërisë/Facebook screenshot

TIRANA, ALBANIA — Ten stolen icons from the Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos in Labovë e Kryqit were formally returned to the Orthodox Church of Albania following a joint effort by state authorities and church leaders. The icons, missing for 14 years, were handed over during a meeting at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Sports.

Minister Blendi Gonxhja said the recovery was made possible through a successful State Police operation and close interinstitutional cooperation. He stressed that the official registration of cultural and spiritual artifacts was decisive in identifying the icons and preventing their permanent loss through trafficking. “This return is not only a legal act, but an act of historical and spiritual justice,” he said.

Abp. John of Tirana, Durrës, and All Albania thanked the authorities for their commitment, calling the icons an essential part of Albania’s cultural and European identity. Discussions also addressed future cooperation on restoring and protecting churches and monasteries nationwide.

Previously, the UOJ reported that an atheist challenge to Orthodox icons headed to the European Court of Human Rights. 

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