The annual pilgrimage of Saint John Vladimir on June 3-4 is a deeply spiritual journey. The experience begins the moment you arrive in the village, where tranquil nature intertwines with generations of living tradition. As streets fill with families, organized groups and devoted pilgrims, the village transforms into a vibrant panorama of shared stories, prayers, and hope.

This year’s religious ritual at the Shijon Monastery in Elbasan brought together worshippers of all generations. Attendees and families traveled from across Albanian-speaking regions in Montenegro and North Macedonia, as well as local hubs like Berat, Shkodra, and Lezha.

During the religious ceremony, the Metropolitan of Elbasan, His Grace Andon Andoni, said that this celebration continues to unite believers not only from Albania, but also from Montenegro, North Macedonia and other countries in the region.

“Year after year, pilgrims from all over the region unite in faith and hope for this celebration,” he said. “Saint John Vladimir’s legacy remains a powerful call for peace, love, and sacrifice that we should all follow”, he said.

This year, the two MPs of the Socialist Party for the Elbasan region Evis Kushi and Sara Mila, were also part of the ceremony.

“It is a very beautiful moment for everyone to be together and to promote the cultural values ​​of this area, not only religious ones. The activities are accompanied by concerts and artistic programs that give the celebration a special cultural dimension”, said Kushi.

From the village of Shijon, MP Kushi invited all citizens to become part of this special atmosphere. /e.i/j.p/p.s./