Albanian Orthodox Christian Coffee Mug

The Albanian Orthodox Church represents one of the most remarkable stories of faith, survival and resurrection in the entire history of Christianity. Albania holds the tragic distinction of being the first officially atheist state in the world, proclaimed by the communist dictator Enver Hoxha in 1967, when all churches, mosques and religious institutions were closed, many destroyed, and the practice of any religion was made illegal under penalty of imprisonment and death. The Orthodox Church of Albania, which had been autocephalous since 1937, was virtually eliminated during this period with its clergy killed, imprisoned or exiled. Yet when communism fell in 1991 the faith re-emerged from its underground survival with extraordinary vitality, largely through the work of Archbishop Anastasios of Albania, a Greek missionary bishop who arrived to find barely a handful of priests remaining and rebuilt the entire church from nothing, ordaining hundreds of clergy, building churches, monasteries and schools and transforming the Albanian Orthodox Church into one of the most vibrant and mission-minded churches in the Orthodox world. The Albanian people have a Christian heritage stretching back to the early centuries of the Church and saints including Saint Astius of Dyrrachium martyred in the 2nd century.

"The gates of hell shall not prevail against it." (Matthew 16:18)

O Lord Jesus Christ, who didst preserve a remnant of the faithful in Albania through decades of the most severe atheist persecution in history and didst raise up thy Church again from what seemed like total destruction, through the prayers of all the Albanian martyrs and confessors, bless and protect the Albanian Orthodox people and their reborn Church. Amen.

This mug makes a meaningful gift for baptisms, name days, Albanian Orthodox feast days, Easter, Christmas or any occasion where the extraordinary survival and resurrection of the Albanian Orthodox Church and faith is honoured and celebrated.

Product Details:

• Premium 11oz ceramic mug
• Wraparound dye-sublimation print, vivid and long-lasting
• Dishwasher and microwave safe
• C-handle for comfortable grip
• Lead and BPA-free
• Printed on demand with care

Shipping:

• UK orders fulfilled locally in the United Kingdom
• US orders fulfilled locally in the United States
• EU orders fulfilled locally in Europe

A daily reminder of faith, for yourself or someone you love.