On Saturday evening, July 19, at 10:00 PM, Father Nikolla Marku passed away at the age of 77 after a long and serious illness. He was the priest of the Autocephalous Albanian Orthodox Church "Saint Mary" in Elbasan and one of the most prominent figures known for his unwavering dedication to faith and community.
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| Father Nikolla Marku and the flag of Kosovo Liberation Army |
For decades, Father Nikolla Marku transformed the church in the Kala neighborhood of Elbasan into a vibrant and open spiritual center, welcoming all believers and fervently preserving the values of Albania’s Orthodox heritage.
He was especially known for his firm stance in defense of the autocephaly (independence) of the Albanian Orthodox Church. Father Marku frequently clashed with Archbishop Anastasios Yannoulatos, accusing him of illegitimately leading the Church and of exerting excessive Greek influence over the country’s religious affairs. Though often isolated in his positions, Father Marku remained steadfast and articulate, speaking with deep conviction.
His death marks the loss of a key voice in Albania’s religious landscape—one who devoted his life to safeguarding the spiritual and national identity of Orthodox Albanians.