TIRANA, March 13 – Fan Stilian Noli, one of the most important figures of the Albanian nation, died on 13 March 1965 in Florida, United States.

Noli devoted much of his life to Albanian national politics and cultural activity.

He was born on 6 January 1882 in Ibrik Tepe, near Edirne. Noli later stated that his family originated from Kolonja.

Religion guided his path and led him to the priesthood. At the same time, faith strengthened his commitment to the Albanian national cause.

Throughout his life, he worked in politics, literature, and translation. Noli translated Orthodox Church services into Albanian and rendered major works of world literature into the language. He also wrote political poetry and contributed to Albanian cultural life.

Meanwhile, Noli founded the Albanian Orthodox Church in the United States. He also held the first liturgy in Albanian at a church in Boston.

Later, voters elected him deputy for Korça on 27 December 1923. Earlier, he had represented the Albanian community in the United States.

At the same time, Noli led the June Movement of 1924. The political change that followed brought him to the post of prime minister after the fall of the government of Iljaz Vrioni.

/a.p./