In a historic moment for Kosovo’s religious landscape, the first Albanian Orthodox Metropolis of Kosovo was officially inaugurated today in Prishtina, marking the establishment of the Autocephalous Albanian Orthodox Church of Kosovo.
The ceremony, led by the newly appointed Archbishop of Kosovo, Nikollë Xhufka, took place on Easter Sunday, symbolizing a spiritual rebirth for Orthodox Albanians in the country.
“From today, on this day of Easter, a new chapter begins for Albanian Orthodox believers in Kosovo. It is also significant for the Republic of Kosovo to have its own autocephalous Orthodox Church,” Archbishop Xhufka told Radio Kosova.
According to Xhufka, the opening of this Metropolis in the Ulpiana neighborhood of Prishtina reflects the growing awareness and desire of the local Orthodox Albanian community for spiritual and national affirmation.
“Kosovar Albanians have long awaited such a moment, especially one rooted in both faith and homeland. This is more than a religious event—it is a national milestone,” he added.
The Archbishop emphasized the importance of including the Albanian Orthodox community in Kosovo’s legal framework that governs the status of religious communities, calling for equal recognition and rights.
