"With increasing frequency one can see white towels and candles on the ruins of the church of Sts. Cosmas and Damian in Zociste near Orahovac that have been brought by local Albanians who used to come here before as well, seeking help for their loved ones," said Bishop Teodosije during a recent liturgy at the ruins. He added that "this is a sign that the holy shrine lives, that it will be restored and heal the wounds left by war and the post-war years".
In Decani yet another in a long series of healings has occurred, this time of an Albanian little girl. "Our monastery is today in an enemy environment. The faithful come rarely and with a KFOR escort. The monastery is guarded by Italian soldiers. An Albanian man called us by telephone, asking for permission to visit the monastery with his family because his daughter was ill and he wanted to bring her before the sarcophagus of the holy Stefan of Decani despite the fact that Albanians in Metohija who have any contact with Serbs are at risk (from their compatriots)," said Father Sava (Janjic).
The little girl would not communicate with anyone. She constantly cried and had not slept for months. All physicians, medicines and hospitals were in vain. The traditionally hospitable Decani monks received the Albanian family, took the little girl before the sarcophagus, read prayers... and it was a miracle!
"The family left and a few hours later the father of the little girl called. He said that she was acting completely normally, talking and laughing. He asked to come back with his family to thank us and to bring gifts," related Father Sava.
Their thanks was accepted but the gifts were declined. The monks are paid in heaven and not by material gifts. For centuries numerous faithful, Serbs, Albanians and others, have found relief for their loved ones.
Many of those who visited Orthodox holy shrines this summer were of Muslim faith. It appears that people searching for healing stop hating others.