Creating a healthy spiritual environment within the family is key both to raising children and to overcoming violence in society, Archbishop John of Albania said in a sermon in Tirana, according to Radio Ngjallja.

Speaking at the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ, the archbishop focused on the Gospel reading about Christ healing a sick young man, arguing that its meaning remains directly relevant to modern life. He warned that if a home does not provide warmth and spiritual atmosphere, children become vulnerable to “spiritual illnesses.”

“Without a warm and spiritual atmosphere at home, children inevitably become vulnerable to spiritual illnesses,” he said. He cautioned that the absence of faith creates a “toxic spiritual environment,” where aggression, conflicts, and inner crises can easily take root.

The archbishop also stressed that parents bear the greatest responsibility for shaping their children’s inner world. “You cannot teach goodness by words if adults live differently,” he added.

Turning to the causes of spiritual crises, Archbishop John said lack of faith can lead to inner emptiness, which may surface as aggression and violence. Interpreting Christ’s words about faith “like a mustard seed,” he explained that this refers to a person’s ability to overcome their passions—such as anger, pride, and hostility.

His sermon came amid a recent, widely reported killing in the city of Korçë. According to the investigation, a 20-year-old man was killed during a dispute that authorities believe may have stemmed from longstanding disagreements between two young men, including arguments over which of them had greater influence among their peers.

Commenting on the tragedy, the Bishop of Korçë, Anastasios, said, “Human life is a sacred gift of God, and no circumstances can justify taking it.” He added that when one young person kills another, society ends up mourning both.