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# Hierarchal Service Held at Ruins of Forty Martyrs Monastery in Albania
- URL: https://uoj.news/news/86696-hierarchal-service-held-at-ruins-of-forty-martyrs-monastery-in-albania/
- Published: 2026-03-12T19:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-25T16:13:22.000Z
- Description: A hierarchal service at the ruined Monastery of the Forty Martyrs in Sarandë marks the return of Orthodox worship to the historic site after decades.
- Author: Tobias Straney
- Tags: #Category: News, Albanian Orthodox Church, Ancient Church, Divine service

**SARANDË, ALBANIA —** A historic moment took place on March 8 when a hierarch of the Albanian Orthodox Church served [at the ruins](https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story%5Ffbid=pfbid0hMzeaiVAb2bw81mdgWHWq3CuSiiTVKGK7vFGh9V5q1MpKZ5m4V8oGnj5JmA5pedMl&id=61586890914979) of the ancient Monastery of the Forty Martyrs for the first time in decades.

His Eminence Metr. Nathanail of Gjirokastër presided over the solemn celebration of Great Vespers, joined by clergy and faithful from the surrounding region. According to the diocese, the last hierarchical service at the historic monastery was conducted by Metr. Panteleimon, who governed the diocese between 1937 and 1941.

[![](https://uoj.news/content/images/2025/12/85842-rare-good-shepherd-fresco-of-jesus-discovered-in-ancient-nicaea-tomb-feature-47ef75c95f58.jpg)On this topicRare Good Shepherd Fresco of Jesus Discovered in Ancient Nicaea Tomb](https://uoj.news/news/85842-rare-good-shepherd-fresco-of-jesus-discovered-in-ancient-nicaea-tomb/)

The monastery, built around the sixth century, stands on a hill overlooking the coastal city of Sarandë. Once a major pilgrimage site in the Ionian Sea region, the complex is known for its ancient catacombs and the basilica-style church that once dominated the site. During the era of the People’s Republic of Albania, the monastery was converted into a military installation, leaving much of the structure in ruins today.

Despite its damaged condition, the monastery remains a powerful symbol of Christian faith in the region. Diocesan leaders described the service as a moving sign of spiritual renewal for the local Orthodox community.

Previously, the [UOJ reported](https://uoj.news/news/85100-archaeologists-uncover-ancient-christian-cross-in-uae/) that archaeologists uncovered an ancient Christian cross in the UAE.