Archbishop John of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania, Primate of the Albanian Orthodox Church, has called on Christians to demonstrate their faith not only through words but through the example of their lives, warning that the world becomes darker when the light of Christ is lost.

The archbishop made the remarks during his Sunday homily commemorating the Holy Fathers of the Fourth Ecumenical Council. He emphasized that Christians are called to be “the light of the world,” but said this mission requires personal spiritual transformation.

“If the light of Christ is extinguished, the world will become even worse. It is impossible to change those around us without first changing ourselves,” Archbishop John said.

In his sermon, the primate recalled the significance of the Fourth Ecumenical Council, held in Chalcedon in 451. The council defined a central teaching of Christianity: that Jesus Christ is one Person with two natures, divine and human, “without confusion, without change, without division, and without separation.”

Archbishop John noted that such theological questions may appear distant from the concerns of modern society, but stressed that preserving the Church’s teaching remains essential to the spiritual life of believers.

“When the teaching of the Church is distorted, the spiritual life of a person also changes. That is why the Church throughout its history has courageously defended the purity of the faith,” he said.

The archbishop focused particularly on Christ’s words from the Gospel: “You are the light of the world.” He explained that these words are not simply a compliment but a reminder of the responsibility placed on every Christian.

According to Archbishop John, the light of Christ is shared primarily through personal example. When a person’s actions contradict their words, their witness can fail to bring others closer to faith and may even have the opposite effect.

Addressing contemporary society, the head of the Albanian Orthodox Church expressed concern that Christian values are losing influence in many countries. He stressed that believers must preserve inner peace and free their hearts from anger, hatred, judgment, and falsehood.

The archbishop said that only a person who works toward personal spiritual renewal can have a positive influence on others. He concluded his homily by recalling a saying attributed to the Holy Fathers: “Enlighten yourself, and thousands around you will be enlightened.”

According to Archbishop John, personal transformation and faithful living remain the most powerful ways to bring society greater “life, joy, and peace.”