The Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania has expressed concern following clashes between police and anti-government protesters in the courtyard of the Resurrection of Christ Cathedral in Tirana, calling for respect for sacred sites, an end to violence and renewed efforts to pursue dialogue.

“The Resurrection of Christ Cathedral is a holy place of prayer, where services are celebrated and a culture of peace is preached,” the Church said in a statement published on October 19. It stressed that churches must not become sites of conflict and confrontation.

The incident occurred amid widespread anti-government demonstrations across Albania. According to local media reports, several young people attempting to escape police during a protest climbed over the fence surrounding the cathedral complex. Videos published online reportedly show police officers pursuing protesters in the church courtyard and striking them with batons and kicking them.

A protester was later found unconscious on the cathedral grounds. The circumstances of the incident and the reasons for the person's condition remained unclear at the time of reporting.

Anastasius, Metropolitan of Korçë, issued a separate statement calling on the Albanian State Police to uphold the law and refrain from violence and abuses of authority.

“Those who abuse state power must understand that their responsibility extends beyond the law to the judgment of history,” the hierarch said. He also warned of the consequences of any further escalation.

Protests have continued for several days in Tirana and other Albanian cities, with demonstrators demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama. The unrest has been fuelled by allegations of government corruption, concerns over the education system and high university tuition fees. A controversial proposal to develop a resort complex in an environmentally protected area has also contributed to public discontent.

The demonstrations have repeatedly resulted in clashes with law enforcement. According to Euronews, citing Albania's Ministry of Health on October 19, a total of 65 people, including 37 police officers, were injured during the unrest on October 18.

Authorities deployed tear gas and water cannons, while some demonstrators reportedly threw stones, pyrotechnics and petrol bombs at police.

Against this backdrop, the Albanian Orthodox Church reiterated the importance of respecting religious sanctuaries and preventing places of worship from becoming arenas of confrontation. Its appeal for dialogue came amid escalating political tensions and mounting violence between protesters and authorities.

The Church's statement emphasized the role of sacred spaces as places of prayer and peace at a time when Albania is experiencing heightened political and social unrest.