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Shkruar nga Pamfleti
Nikolla Marku, priest of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church 'Saint Mary' in Elbasan, passed away on Saturday evening at the age of 77.
Nikolla Marku is remembered for his constant clashes with Janullatos, the former archbishop of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania, until in 2020 he was excommunicated and stripped of the title 'Father'.
In 2013, through an open letter sent to the Patriarchate of Istanbul, Father Nikola Marku criticized Archbishop Anastas Janullatus, accusing him of violating the 1936 “Thomas” decision, which recognizes the independence of the Albanian Autocephalous Church.
Father Nikola Marku demanded that the Patriarchate of Istanbul implement and respect the 1936 “Thomas” decision, which recognizes the independence of the Albanian Autocephalous Church, article 34 of which determines the leadership of every Orthodox church independent of a priest of the nationality in which the church exercises its activity.
"We do not hesitate to inform you of the anti-Albanian policy of this priest, with several collaborators chosen by him in a secret police manner and not at all theological or apostolic, violating every article of the statute of this Church. We believe that your conscience and faith will overcome the friendship you have with Anastas Janullatos, a friendship which should not prevent you from judging correctly the affairs of this gentleman.
We ask you that the Patriarchate of Istanbul respect the Thomas decision of 1936, a decision that recognizes the independence of the Albanian Orthodox Church from any other Orthodox church in other countries. Anastas Janullatos has turned the Albanian Orthodox faith into an appendage of the Greek Orthodox Church, with certain chauvinistic goals to the detriment of Albania. This man does not work for faith, but for the annexation of Albania”, wrote Father Nikolla Marku 12 years ago.
The priest was suffering from a serious illness. According to official reports, condolences are being received at the Church of St. Mary, where he spent his entire life in service to God and people.
The funeral ceremony will be held today, at 5:00 PM, where family, friends, fellow citizens and believers will bid their final farewell.
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