Thirrja e Shqipërisë (Albania's Call)

Where Ancient Faith Meets Albania's Destiny
A Prophetic Anthem for the Land of Eagles
"Albania's Call" is a powerful testament to Albania's unique spiritual heritage and prophetic destiny. This majestic Balkan anthem weaves together the threads of Albania's noble past with an urgent call for spiritual awakening in the present.

Drawing inspiration from Albania's rich history as one of the earliest nations to embrace Christianity, where Apostle Paul preached the Gospel, this song celebrates the nation's enduring spiritual legacy. Through dramatic orchestral arrangements and solemn vocals, it pays homage to Albania's role in protecting Jews during dark times while pointing toward a future of spiritual renewal.

Lyrics

Shqipëri, tokë e shqiponjave fisnike
Trashëgimi ilire, fuqi hyjnike
Ndër të parat që pranoi dritën e Krishtit
Ku Pali predikoi fjalën e vërtetësisë

Me besën tuaj të shenjtë, hebrenjtë i shpëtove
Sipas zemrës së Zotit, popullin e ruajtove

Dëgjo sot hapat e Zotit që vijnë
Zërin e Tij që thërret në këtë ditë
Është koha të kujtosh trashëgiminë
Farat e mbjella të japin fryt për përjetësinë

Që nga kohët e lashta, mëkati solli vdekjen
Të gjithë popujt u bënë robër të dhembjen
Prandaj Zoti dërgoi Birin e Tij të dashur
Që me vdekjen e Tij, të na bëjë të shpëtuar

Me besën tuaj të shenjtë, hebrenjtë i shpëtove
Sipas zemrës së Zotit, popullin e ruajtove

Dëgjo sot hapat e Zotit që vijnë
Zërin e Tij që thërret në këtë ditë
Është koha të kujtosh trashëgiminë
Farat e mbjella të japin fryt për përjetësinë

Kalove përmes stuhive të errëta
Kur donin të të bënin tokë të vdekur
Por qëndrove si shkëmb në det të fortë
Ruajte identitetin, vlerat e Zotit

Me besën tuaj të shenjtë, hebrenjtë i shpëtove
Sipas zemrës së Zotit, popullin e ruajtove

Dëgjo sot hapat e Zotit që vijnë
Zërin e Tij që thërret në këtë ditë
Është koha të kujtosh trashëgiminë
Farat e mbjella të japin fryt për përjetësinë

Sot Jezusi thërret, o tokë e shqiponjave
Ripërtërihu dhe gjej strehë nën krahët e Tij të dashura

Kushdo që pendohet, i drejtohet Zotit
Dhe pranon Jezusin, Shpëtimtarin e plotë
Do të shpëtohet për jetën e përjetshme
Mëkatet do falen, fitore të vërtetë

Dëgjo sot hapat e Zotit që vijnë
Zërin e Tij që thërret në këtë ditë
Është koha të kujtosh trashëgiminë
Farat e mbjella të japin fryt për përjetësinë

Shqipëri, dëgjo zërin (dëgjo zërin)
Koha është për t'u kthyer (për t'u kthyer)
Nën krahët e Perëndisë (në dashuri)
Jeta e re do të lindë (do të lindë)

Translated Lyrics

Shqipëri, tokë e shqiponjave fisnike
Trashëgimi ilire, fuqi hyjnike
Ndër të parat që pranoi dritën e Krishtit
Ku Pali predikoi fjalën e vërtetësisë

Me besën tuaj të shenjtë, hebrenjtë i shpëtove
Sipas zemrës së Zotit, popullin e ruajtove

Dëgjo sot hapat e Zotit që vijnë
Zërin e Tij që thërret në këtë ditë
Është koha të kujtosh trashëgiminë
Farat e mbjella të japin fryt për përjetësinë

Që nga kohët e lashta, mëkati solli vdekjen
Të gjithë popujt u bënë robër të dhembjen
Prandaj Zoti dërgoi Birin e Tij të dashur
Që me vdekjen e Tij, të na bëjë të shpëtuar

Me besën tuaj të shenjtë, hebrenjtë i shpëtove
Sipas zemrës së Zotit, popullin e ruajtove

Dëgjo sot hapat e Zotit që vijnë
Zërin e Tij që thërret në këtë ditë
Është koha të kujtosh trashëgiminë
Farat e mbjella të japin fryt për përjetësinë

Kalove përmes stuhive të errëta
Kur donin të të bënin tokë të vdekur
Por qëndrove si shkëmb në det të fortë
Ruajte identitetin, vlerat e Zotit

Me besën tuaj të shenjtë, hebrenjtë i shpëtove
Sipas zemrës së Zotit, popullin e ruajtove

Dëgjo sot hapat e Zotit që vijnë
Zërin e Tij që thërret në këtë ditë
Është koha të kujtosh trashëgiminë
Farat e mbjella të japin fryt për përjetësinë

Sot Jezusi thërret, o tokë e shqiponjave
Ripërtërihu dhe gjej strehë nën krahët e Tij të dashura

Kushdo që pendohet, i drejtohet Zotit
Dhe pranon Jezusin, Shpëtimtarin e plotë
Do të shpëtohet për jetën e përjetshme
Mëkatet do falen, fitore të vërtetë

Dëgjo sot hapat e Zotit që vijnë
Zërin e Tij që thërret në këtë ditë
Është koha të kujtosh trashëgiminë
Farat e mbjella të japin fryt për përjetësinë

Shqipëri, dëgjo zërin (dëgjo zërin)
Koha është për t'u kthyer (për t'u kthyer)
Nën krahët e Perëndisë (në dashuri)
Jeta e re do të lindë (do të lindë)

Albania: A Land of Faith, Honor, and Resilience

About country

Albania, officially the Republic of Albania, is a Southeastern European nation on the Balkan Peninsula. It shares borders with Montenegro to the northwest, Kosovo to the northeast, North Macedonia to the east, and Greece to the south and southeast. The country boasts a coastline along the Adriatic Sea to the west and the Ionian Sea to the southwest, with an area of approximately 28,748 square kilometers.

Administrative Structure:
Albania is divided into 12 counties, known locally as "qarqe."These counties are further subdivided into 61 municipalities ("bashki"), which serve as the primary units of local governance. This administrative framework was established to enhance governmental efficiency and regional representation.

Geography and Climate:
The country's terrain is predominantly mountainous, featuring ranges such as the northern Albanian Alps and the south Pindus Mountains. These highlands are interspersed with river valleys and coastal plains, creating a diverse and picturesque landscape. Albania experiences a Mediterranean climate along its coast, characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Inland areas exhibit a more continental climate, with colder winters and warm summers. This climatic variation supports various flora and fauna across different regions.

Population and Capital:
As of 2024, Albania's population is estimated at approximately 2.78 million. The capital city, Tirana, serves as the nation's political, economic, and cultural hub, offering a vibrant urban environment that reflects the country's dynamic spirit.
Albania's unique blend of historical heritage, diverse landscapes, and strategic location at the crossroads of various civilizations has shaped its rich cultural identity and national character.
Albania has a rich and complex tapestry of history, culture, and faith. Nestled in the heart of the Balkans, it has seen centuries of change and adaptation, yet specific core values—like honor, hospitality, and spiritual devotion—remain at its foundation. The story of Albania is one of resilience, marked by its role in preserving faith, protecting lives, and overcoming the challenges of history.

A Haven During the Holocaust

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Albania stood out as a beacon of humanity during history's darkest periods. Under the occupation of Fascist Italy and later Nazi Germany, Albania did what many other nations could not: it protected its Jewish population. By the end of World War II, Albania had more Jews within its borders than before the war began—a remarkable achievement in an era when millions of Jews across Europe faced extermination.

This extraordinary feat was rooted in a deeply ingrained cultural code called “Besa.” Besa, often translated as "honor" or "a promise," is more than just a word for Albanians—it’s a way of life. It obligates individuals to protect guests and those in need, even at significant personal risk. During the Holocaust, Albanian families of all religions—Muslim, Orthodox, and Catholic—hid Jewish refugees in their homes, fed them, and provided false documents to help them evade Nazi persecution. This unwavering commitment to honor and humanity is a testament to the character of the Albanian people.

The Ancient Roots of Christianity

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Albania's connection to Christianity is as ancient as the faith itself. The country was among the first to receive the teachings of Christ, with traditions tracing the arrival of Christianity to the ministry of the Apostle Paul. In his letter to the Romans (Romans 15:19), Paul mentions spreading the gospel "as far as Illyricum," a region that included modern-day Albania.

Under the Roman Empire, Christianity flourished, with early Christian communities forming in cities like Durres (then Dyrrachium). As the Roman Empire divided, Albania became part of the Byzantine Empire, solidifying Orthodox Christianity as a dominant force in the region. Yet, Catholicism also took root, particularly in the north, where ties with Italy and the Vatican were strong.
The legacy of early Christian martyrs like Saint Astius, who was executed for his faith in the 2nd century, highlights the deep spiritual foundations of Albania. Churches and monasteries built during the Byzantine era are enduring symbols of this rich history.

Challenges and Resilience: From Islamization to Communism

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The arrival of the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century brought significant changes to Albania’s religious landscape. Over the centuries, many Albanians converted to Islam, often for practical reasons like tax relief and social mobility under Ottoman rule. However, Christianity never disappeared. In remote mountain villages, Orthodox and Catholic communities quietly preserved their faith, keeping their ancestors' traditions alive.

The 20th century brought new trials. Under the communist regime of Enver Hoxha, Albania became the world’s first officially atheist state. Churches, mosques, and monasteries were destroyed or repurposed, and practicing any religion was outlawed. Despite this, the Albanian people's spiritual resilience endured, and with the fall of communism in the 1990s, religious freedom was restored.

The Growth of Protestantism

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While Protestantism arrived in Albania relatively late, its influence has grown steadily since the 19th century. American and European missionaries brought Protestant ideals and translated the Bible into Albanian, making scripture accessible to a broader audience. Although Protestant communities remained small, they became active in education, charity, and social work.

After the collapse of communism, Protestant churches, particularly evangelical and Baptist groups, saw a revival. Today, while still a minority, these communities play a vital role in rebuilding the spiritual and moral fabric of the nation, engaging in projects that uplift the marginalized and promote faith-based values.

Faith and Honor as Foundations

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Albania’s history is a testament to its people’s capacity for faith, honor, and resilience. From the early Christian martyrs to the families who risked everything to protect Jewish refugees, and from surviving centuries of political and religious upheaval to embracing a renewed sense of spiritual freedom, Albania continues to inspire.

In today’s world, where division and hostility often dominate headlines, Albania’s story reminds us of the power of unwavering principles like besa and the enduring strength of faith. Whether through ancient traditions or modern movements, the heart of Albania beats with a rhythm of honor and hope, a testament to its remarkable journey through history.
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