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Orthodox Observer - March 20, 1997

Missionaries in Albania Remain Safe, Families Evacuated

As the Observer went to press, the unrest in Albania had begun to settle and concerns about the safety of Church's missionaries in the country were reassured.

Archbishop Spyridon received an E-mail message on March 18 from the Archdiocese's three missionaries, Frs. Martin Ritsi and Luke Veronis, and Penny Panagiota Deligiannis, stating that they were safe.

The families of the two priests were safely airlifted from the country a few days earlier.

The missionaries have been working in the country for several years.

At a press conference on March 15 following the second session of the Archdiocesan Council, His Eminence had expressed deep concern for the missionaries and all Orthodox Christians in Albania.

His Eminence had contacted them on March 13 asking them to leave Albania as soon as possible.

[ Orthodox Observer - Vol. 62, No. 1125 - March 20, 1997 - p. 1 ]