Metropolitan Ioannicius of Montenegro and the Littoral of the Serbian Orthodox Church has visited southern Albania and Greece, where he celebrated the Divine Liturgy and visited several historic Orthodox monasteries and shrines.

On September 6, Metropolitan Ioannicius presided over the Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ in Gjirokaster, southern Albania, according to the website of the Metropolitanate of Montenegro and the Littoral. Metropolitan Nathanael of Gjirokaster of the Orthodox Church of Albania, along with clergy from both churches, attended the service.

Following the liturgy, the two hierarchs exchanged gifts and discussed the longstanding spiritual ties between the Orthodox Churches of Albania and Serbia. Metropolitan Ioannicius also served a memorial service for the late Metropolitan Demetrius of Gjirokaster.

The hierarchs subsequently visited the pilgrimage Church of Saint Paraskeva in the nearby village of Terihat.

On September 7, Metropolitan Ioannicius traveled to the Greek town of Kalavryta. Together with Metropolitan Hieronymus of Kalavryta and Aigialeia, he visited the historic Mega Spileo Monastery, one of Greece’s oldest Orthodox monasteries.

Welcoming his guest, Metropolitan Hieronymus spoke about the history of the monastery. Ioannicius noted similarities between Mega Spileo and Montenegro’s Ostrog Monastery, saying that both sites hold great significance for Orthodox Christians despite having emerged in different historical periods.

“We are extremely grateful for the opportunity to visit this holy place, whose beauty, history and uniqueness leave every visitor breathless,” Metropolitan Ioannicius said.

In Kalavryta, the hierarchs also visited the Agia Lavra Monastery, where they venerated the relics of Saint Philaret the Merciful and Saint Alexios, the Man of God. The meetings included discussions with clergy and monastics and highlighted the longstanding spiritual and cultural connections linking Orthodox communities across the region.