Services to mark 40th anniversary of the repose of Archbishop Theofan Noli

Archbishop Theofan [Fan] Noli established the Albanian Orthodox Mission under the American diocese.

SOUTH BOSTON, MA [OCA Communications] — The 40th anniversary of the repose of Archbishop Theofan [Fan] Noli will be commemorated at Saint George Cathedral here on Sunday, March 13, 2005.

His Grace, Bishop Nikon of Boston and the Albanian Archdiocese of the Orthodox Church in America will preside at the Divine Liturgy and Memorial at 10:00 a.m.

The celebration coincides with the observance of Forgiveness Sunday, the eve of the first day of Great Lent.

“Archbishop Theofan, who was born in 1882, remains even today an outstanding figure in the Albanian world as churchman, scholar, poet, author, and statesman,” said the Very Rev. Arthur Liolin, archdiocesan chancellor. “A
founder of the first Albanian Orthodox parish in the US in 1908, he translated and authored over 42 liturgical, historical, and literary books in Albanian and English. He is considered one of the bright stars of the Albanian Renaissance of the 20th century.”

Proficient in 12 languages, Archbishop Theofan translated the New Testament from Greek into modern English, considered one of the finest works of his time. He also translated the Liturgy and a wealth of liturgical music into
Albanian and English.

In the literary field, he is remembered for his translations of numerous plays and poetry into Albanian, including works by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Henrik Ibsen, Miguel Cervantes and Omar Khayyam. He was honored by the White House for his translations of William Shakespeare into Albanian.

In 1912, he served as founder of the Pan-Albanian Federation of America-VATRA, along with Faik Konica and other notables. In 1920, he represented Albania in Geneva and secured the country’s admission to the League of Nations, the first such recognition of the modern Albanian state following its proclamation of independence. In 1924, he served as Premier of Albania.

“Born in Ibrik-Tepe, an Albanian settlement in European Turkey, his life unfolds as an exemplary epic which spanned nearly a century of achievement in various disciplines and in a multi-faceted service for his people,” Father
Liolin added. “A 1912 graduate of Harvard, he later received doctorates in history from Boston University and in music from the New England Conservatory of Music. Modest in bearing and lifestyle, yet fiery and controversial in oratory, he was cerebral and self-disciplined, spiritual and urbane. His biography reveals a life of personal deprivation and
intense struggle counterpoised by an egalitarian social outlook and extraordinary accomplishment. In ways enigmatic, he was at the same time both singularly patriotic, yet broad-minded and international by conviction.

Displaying an infectious smile and sense of humor, his life resonates even today with the challenges faced by Albanians everywhere in their own lives and sentiments. Serving as shepherd and role model for the men and women of four generations in the US and abroad, his fascinating life and works have retained the interest of his compatriots and of others to this day.”

For further information on Archbishop Theofan’s life and times, visit:

www.frosina.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1323&PN=4

www.frosina.org/about/infobits.asp?id=150

www.frosina.org/about/infobits.asp?id=14