St. Sotir Church (Church of St. Sotir)
Gjirokastër
St. Sotir Church, also known as the Transfiguration Church, is an Eastern Orthodox church located in Korçë, Albania, serving the Aromanian community. Constructed between 1995 and 2005 with Romanian support, it functions as a religious and cultural center where services are held in Albanian, Aromanian, and Romanian. The church honors the legacy of its predecessor, built in 1925, which was damaged by an earthquake in 1931 and demolished in 1959 under the communist regime. The original church's construction was initiated by Aromanian priest Haralambie Balamaci, who was tragically murdered in 1914 during ethnic conflicts. The modern St. Sotir Church maintains close ties with Romanian institutions and celebrates Aromanian heritage through religious and cultural activities, including memorials for Balamaci. It stands as a symbol of the resilience and identity of the Aromanian minority in Albania.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to attend services to experience the multilingual liturgy reflecting Aromanian culture. The best time to visit is during religious festivals and memorial events honoring Haralambie Balamaci. Booking in advance is recommended for group visits, and visitors can explore the cultural exhibitions linked to the church's heritage. Discounts may be available for students or cultural groups.
Interesting facts
- •The church serves the Aromanian minority in Albania and holds services in Albanian, Aromanian, and Romanian.
- •Haralambie Balamaci, the church's original initiator, was murdered in 1914 in an ethnic conflict, and is commemorated annually at the church.
- •The original church was demolished in 1959 by the communist regime despite its cultural significance.
- •The current church was built with support from Romania between 1995 and 2005.
- •The church acts as a cultural hub for the Aromanian community, maintaining close ties with Romanian institutions.
History
The original St.
Sotir Church was initiated by Aromanian priest Haralambie Balamaci in the early 20th century, with fundraising efforts spanning decades and support from the Aromanian diaspora in Bucharest and the United States.
Construction began before World War I but was interrupted by the Balkan Wars and Balamaci's murder in 1914 by Greek andartes and pro-Greek Aromanians.
The original church was completed in 1925 but suffered earthquake damage in 1931 and was demolished by the communist regime in 1959.
The current church was built between 1995 and 2005 with Romanian assistance, symbolizing the revival of Aromanian cultural identity in Albania.
