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Published by the
Orthodox Church in America,
March 4, 2005
Services to mark 40th
anniversary of the repose of Archbishop
Theofan Noli |
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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
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