On October 18, 1858, the patriot Gjerasim Qiriazi was born in Manastir.

Qiriazi, a prominent revivalist and writer, was the founder of both the Evangelical Church of Korça and the ‘Evangelical Brotherhood of Albania’ society. In 1892, alongside her sister Sevastina, she prepared a project for the establishment of the Girls’ School and the Sunday School in Korça. In November of the same year, they published the first issue of the newspaper associated with the society they founded, titled ‘Letter of Brotherhood.’

Qiriazi was a prolific writer in the genres of poetry and song. His unwavering commitment to his work led to an unsuccessful assassination attempt on January 17, 1893. Tragically, he passed away on January 2, 1894, at the young age of 35. In recognition of his contributions, he was posthumously awarded the title ‘Teacher of the People’ in 1987, and in 1992, he received the prestigious ‘First Class Order of Freedom’.

The General Directorate of Archives recalls the ‘formula’ that guided Qiriazi in his dedicated work for religion and homeland: ‘Friends for God, Light for the people, Bridges for the motherland’.

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