A historic Orthodox Church of All Saints, one of the most significant monuments of ecclesiastical heritage in southern Albania, was solemnly consecrated during celebrations held in the town of Himarë on June 7.

The service was led by Metropolitan Nathanael of Gjirokastër on the Feast of All Saints. During the ceremony, a newly built chapel dedicated to the Holy Apostles and St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, located within the church complex, was also consecrated.

Addressing the faithful, Metropolitan Nathanael emphasized the importance of a Christian life grounded in faith, humility, and love. He encouraged believers to follow the example of the saints, whom he described as a “light to the world.”

The Church of All Saints occupies a special place in the history of Himarë. Built in 1775, it is regarded as one of the best-preserved Orthodox churches in Albania. The church stands in the historic district of Himarë-Fshat, near an ancient fortress and the main road leading into the town.

Architecturally, the monument is distinguished by its three-aisled basilica design with a flat roof. The interior is divided by two longitudinal arcades supported by stone columns. Of particular significance was its original 18th-century wooden iconostasis, considered by specialists to be one of the rare examples of ecclesiastical woodcarving preserved in the country.

According to local tradition, the church was visited and used for preaching by St. Cosmas of Aetolia, one of the most prominent Orthodox missionaries in the Balkans during the 18th century.

The church underwent major restoration under a project of the Albanian Orthodox Autocephalous Church between 1999 and 2000, helping preserve the monument’s historic character.

Despite its cultural and religious importance, the church has repeatedly been targeted by thieves. Local media reported that in 2013, criminals stole nine carved columns from the iconostasis, believed to date back to the 18th century. Earlier attempts were also made to remove other elements of the church’s interior, while four historic bells were stolen from the bell tower in the early 1990s.

The recent consecration ceremony highlighted both the enduring spiritual significance of the Church of All Saints and ongoing efforts to safeguard Albania’s rich Orthodox heritage for future generations.