From right to left, Bishops Kristofor and Jerotheo conferred episcopal ordination on Theofan Noli in the Church of Saint George in Korçë, on December 4, 1923. To the Albanian Orthodox Church, Governmental Authorities, and Esteemed Members of the Albanian Orthodox Community
The Resurrection of Christ Cathedral in Tirana stands as a preeminent symbol of Albania’s spiritual and national renaissance, inaugurated in 2012 and serving as the final resting place of His Beatitude Archbishop Anastasios Janullatos, interred on January 30, 2025. This sacred space offers a fitting locus to honor the foundational figures of the Albanian Autocephalous Orthodox Church, H.E. Kristofor Kisi and H.E. Jorotheu, by relocating their remains to this cathedral. Such an act would constitute a profound acknowledgment of their contributions to the establishment of ecclesiastical autonomy and the preservation of Albanian national identity.
H.E. Kristofor Kisi (1881–1958), the first Archbishop of the Albanian Autocephalous Orthodox Church, and H.E. Jorotheu, the Exarch who ordained Fan Noli in 1923, were instrumental in securing the autocephaly recognized by the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople on April 12, 1937. Their efforts not only affirmed the Orthodox identity of Albanians but also championed the use of the Albanian language in liturgy, reinforcing national consciousness amidst foreign influences. Kisi’s leadership endured the trials of World War II and communist persecution, culminating in his tragic death in 1958 under circumstances suggestive of political machination. Jorotheu’s organizational contributions were equally vital in establishing the church’s hierarchical structure during its nascent phase.
The interment of their remains in the Resurrection of Christ Cathedral would carry multifaceted significance:
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Veneration of Foundational Figures: Honoring Kisi and Jorotheu within the cathedral acknowledges their pioneering roles in establishing an independent Albanian Orthodox Church, fostering gratitude and inspiration among the faithful.
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Perpetuation of Collective Memory: As a spiritual and cultural epicenter, the cathedral serves as an educational platform for future generations to engage with the history of autocephaly, with the founders’ remains acting as a tangible testament to their sacrifices.
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Emblem of Ecclesiastical and National Unity: In the context of the Albanian Orthodox Church’s transition following Archbishop Janullatos’s passing, this act would galvanize the Orthodox community and broader Albanian society, reinforcing shared identity and purpose.
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Restoration of Historical Justice: Particularly for Kisi, whose life ended under communist persecution, this relocation would serve as an act of restorative justice, recognizing him as a martyr for faith and nation.
Call to Action
We urge the Albanian Autocephalous Orthodox Church, relevant governmental authorities, and the Albanian community to support the relocation of the remains of H.E. Kristofor Kisi and H.E. Jorotheu to the Resurrection of Christ Cathedral. This initiative would reaffirm our commitment to authoring our own historical narrative, ensuring that the legacy of these founders is preserved and celebrated. By signing this petition, you contribute to a scholarly and moral endeavor to honor Albania’s ecclesiastical and national heritage.
Sign the Petition
Join us in this historic effort by signing the petition at: https://chng.it/hkLv6NxZPM. Let us collectively ensure that the Resurrection of Christ Cathedral stands not only as a place of worship but also as a monument to Albania’s enduring legacy of faith and independence.
With Gratitude,
Klara Buda
French Institute of Albanian Studies