July 17th is known as Saint Marena’s Day, which is also dedicated to the church and monastery in Llëngë, Pogradec.

The Monastery of Saint Marena in Llëngë is owned by the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania. It is now a religious site with cultural significance. Its declaration as a Cultural Monument, Category I, was made on May 24, 1948.

The scenery surrounding the monastery is quite beautiful, with mountains, forests, and meadows. At the base of this location flows a large and water-rich river, the Shkumbin River, which originates from these areas.

The entire church is covered on the inside with frescoes created by the talented master Kostandin Shpataraku. Their creation took place 10 years after the icons of the Ardenica church in Lushnjë. This speaks to the artistic maturity of the painter.

Kostandin Shpataraku is responsible for a portion of the icons of the iconostasis, including the cross above it, the beautiful doors, a baldachin with 15 figures, and 17 small icons depicting scenes from the life of Christ and Saint Mary. The mural paintings of this church were executed by him in 1754, commissioned by the citizens, clergy, and craftsmen of the town of Llëngë.

Saint Marena’s Day, although falling on July 17th (according to the new calendar), is also celebrated on July 30th (according to the old calendar). This celebration is attended by not only Christian believers from Mokra and the surrounding Pogradec area but also from other regions such as Korça and, notably, from the villages of Librazhd and even Elbasan. The Church of Saint Marena is attributed with miraculous qualities. Believers believe in the miraculous attributes of Saint Marena, pray to her, and light candles and leave coins in the church, hoping that the saint will assist them in resolving their troubles or in healing illnesses.

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