26th february 2017. Amid global interreligious tensions, the Albanian community—wherever it lives—continues to stand as a powerful example of harmony among different faiths. In New York, this centuries-old spirit of coexistence is jointly promoted by the religious leaders of the three traditional Albanian faiths: Catholic, Orthodox, and Muslim. In an interview conducted in New York in early 2017, Monsignor Pjetër Popaj highlighted the importance of respecting differences while strengthening what unites people.
The Albanian Catholic Church in America: “Our Lady of Shkodra”
The Albanian Catholic Church in America, Our Lady of Shkodra, located in Hartsdale (Yonkers), New York, is attended by Albanian believers from New Jersey, Connecticut, and New York. Built through the contributions of the faithful, the church was blessed in 1999.
All religious services are held exclusively in the Albanian language, explains Dom Pjetër Popaj, the head of the church, in an
interview for Radio Televizion of Kosova.
“We are people of faith, and we all believe in one God, though in different ways. We should focus on what unites us and respect our differences. We are of the same blood, the same culture, the same history, and the same God in heaven. We may live in two states, but we are one nation; we may speak two dialects, but we share one language. We may belong to different religions, Catholic or Muslim, but we believe in one God. In essence, we are one.”
The Albanian Orthodox Church in New York
An American Priest Preaching in Albanian
The Albanian Orthodox Church of Saint Nicholas in New York is the newest parish of the Boston Diocese. Founded by the prominent Albanian Renaissance figure and bishop, Theofan Stilian Noli, the church today continues its mission under the leadership of an American priest who also delivers sermons in the Albanian language.
Father Nathan emphasizes the shared values among different faiths:
“I rejoice when I meet brothers from other religions, because through dialogue we realize that our efforts to help people in need are the same. We speak about fraternity, family, and the contribution Albanians make to the world. We are not divided by faith; rather, we are united in our differences and in our support for one another. Christian love is not merely words—it is action. Through this love, inspired by God, we aim to make people stronger, happier, and the world a better place.”
Imam Edin Gjoni: “Values to Be Proudly Passed on to Future Generations”
From the Albanian-American Islamic Center in Queens, New York—founded in 2000 by Albanians from the Ulcinj and Bar regions, as well as from other Albanian-inhabited areas—Imam Edin Gjoni delivers a message of peace, compassion, and mutual understanding.
“Our message is one of love, mercy, respect, and closeness to one another, regardless of differences. It is a message of understanding in every aspect of life and pride in our values—values that must be preserved and passed on to younger generations.”
A Living Example of Interfaith Tolerance
At a time when violent interreligious conflicts continue to erupt across the globe, the harmony cultivated for centuries among the three traditional Albanian faiths stands as a living example of how interfaith tolerance, respect, and coexistence can and should be preserved worldwide. Ajetë Beqiraj, Nju Jork
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The reportage was produced within the framework of the project “Albanian Cultural Heritage in the United States”, supported by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports of the Republic of Kosovo, in cooperation with the Albanian Business Network in New York. © Ajetë Shaban Beqiraj – All Rights Reserved.