Overview:

Saint Stephen Church, located in the city of Korçë in Albania, is an Eastern Orthodox church of the 14th century. It is the oldest surviving Christian church in the city, and one of the oldest in Albania. The church building was erected in 1327 on the site of a much older church, built in the fifth century. It was renovated and expanded in the 16th century and features a number of decorative elements, including a central dome, a bell tower, and frescoes painted during both the 14th and 16th centuries. The frescoes inside the church depict Biblical scenes and are considered to be among the finest examples of Medieval Albanian painting, as evidenced by their placement on the UNESCO Tentative World Heritage List in 2018. Currently, the church is still an active house of worship and is attended by worshippers who come to pray and celebrate various feasts. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Albania
Prominent Features:

- Church building with Greek Orthodox style - Baroque style tower - 18th century iconostasis - Bronze doors and decorative carvings - Beautiful frescoes and wall paintings - Hand-carved altarpiece - Rebuilt bell tower from 1857 - The church is located at the centre of Korçë You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Albania.

History:

The Church of Saint Stephen was founded in the late 18th century in the city of Korçë, Albania. It is the mother church of the Diocese of Korçë and stands as the pillar of the Albanian Catholic faith. The church was the first Catholic site consecrated in the area, and has since become a symbol of Albanian cultural and religious identity. History In the late 18th century, after the expansion of the Ottoman Empire, the religious policies of the empire changed drastically. The policy of toleration towards non-Islamic faiths gave the Catholics of Albania more freedom in expressing their faith. Under the guidance of a local nobleman, Gjergj Arianiti, the construction of the Church of Saint Stephen began in 1789. It was established as the first Catholic church in the region and marked the beginning of a new era in Albanian religious history. The Church of Saint Stephen endured numerous trials throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. In spite of the frequent turmoil in the region, the church continued to be a beacon of faith and hope for the Catholics of Korçë. In the late 19th century, when Albania declared its independence from the Ottoman Empire, the Church of Saint Stephen played a crucial role in advocating for the rights of Albanian Catholics and promoting religious unity in the newly formed country. Throughout the Second World War, the Church of Saint Stephen was a pillar of support for the Catholics of Korçë. It often served as a safe haven for those in need and provided assistance to those suffering under the German occupation during the war. After the war the church was rebuilt and dedicated to Saint Stephen in recognition of his immense contributions to the Albanian Catholic community. Today, the Church of Saint Stephen remains a strong presence in the Catholic faith in Albania. Every year thousands of members of the faithful make the pilgrimage to the church to take part in its many religious services and festivities. It also serves as a reminder of the courage and dedication of those who fought for their religious freedom and an inspiration for all those who strive to uphold the values of faith and hope in the modern world. Events The Church of Saint Stephen hosts several events throughout the year for its members of the faithful. These events include: • Palm Sunday Mass – Celebrated on the Sunday before Easter, the church hosts a special Mass celebrating the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem • Patronal Festival – A Festival in honor of the church’s Patron Saint, Stephen. The day features an outdoor procession as well as Mass and a special dinner. • Grand Mariage – An annual marriage retreat that promotes positive Catholic values and offers married couples opportunities for spiritual growth. • Yeshuva Festival- An annual festival honoring Jesus. It features a variety of activities such as Mass, a procession, and a candlelight vigil lasting for three days. • Christmas Mass – A special Mass celebrated on Christmas Day. • Easter Mass and Procession – A special Mass and procession as part of the Easter celebration. • Confession – The Church of Saint Stephen offers private confession by appointment which can be arranged by contacting the church. External links * Official Website (http://www.santiagodecorcovdata.gr/en/) * Diocese of Corcovado (http://www.dioceseofcorcovado.org/) * AlbanianCatholic.net (https://www.albaniancatholic.net/places-albania/st-stephens-church-korce/) – The Church of Saint Stephen in Korçë Visit one of the famous monuments of Albania with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1) The Saint Stephen Church in Korçë is one of the oldest churches in Albania. It was built in the 18th century and is considered to be one of the most important historical monuments of the city. 2) The church is dedicated to Saint Stephen, a disciple of the Apostle Paul, who was the first Christian martyr. 3) The interior of the church is decorated with beautiful frescoes and murals from the 19th century. The two main frescoes depict scenes from the life of Saint Stephen. 4) In 1974, the church was declared a National Monument of Albania and is considered among the most important Renaissance monuments of the Balkans. 5) The Saint Stephen Church hosts several cultural events throughout the year, such as concerts, theatrical performances, and film screenings. One of the historical monuments of Albania, it tells the story of a bygone era