St. Theodore Orthodox Church, Vlora

The only Orthodox church in Vlora, St. Theodore is now being restored. During the Cultural Revolution (much like the one in China in 1966, where culture was destroyed) it had been used as a fire station. Now, not only Orthodox Christians but also Muslims come here to pray.

It was in this sanctuary, in September 1995, that I left the bones of my father overnight, during a pause in my journey to Shen Vasil. After the rain, wind and mud of the grave, his remains rested near an icon depicting the Madonna and Child. In the warmth of this special shelter, I felt that my father was back home. In the darkness my throat tightened and tears ran from my eyes, accompanied by wild emotion.