A video in which an Albanian Orthodox priest performs a blessing ceremony at a betting shop instantly went viral on the internet and sparked heated debates. Why did a church official end up within the walls of a betting establishment, and how did society react to this unusual incident?
Is such a ceremony an endorsement of gambling, or is it a traditional ritual? What are the main reasons for the resonance, and how does such an incident fit into the cultural and religious context of contemporary Albania?
Viral video and public resonance
A camera captured Orthodox priest Spiro Katundi, 63, performing a rite of blessing in one of the betting shops in the city of Korçë, in southeastern Albania. Surrounded by young people, with football matches broadcast on screens and bets and odds being discussed, someone records the event on their phone, and the video immediately garners thousands of views.
The reaction on social media was immediate and emotional: some users made ironic remarks, others were surprised at the boldness of the clergyman. Many comments boiled down to the question—did the church really decide to bless not only business, but also the passion for gambling? Many regarded what happened as a kind of “blessing of the players”, although in reality it was a traditional ritual for new businesses.
However, the emerging disputes quickly transcended a simple misunderstanding. The discussion touched on ethical and religious boundaries, and the scandal itself became a litmus test for society’s attitude towards the blurring of the lines between the sacred and the commercial.
The position of the priest and the church
When the video became popular, Spiro Katundi himself was quick to provide clarification to local television: “I did not come to bless the players or gambling. I bless business and investments if they are used for good.” According to him, such a rite aims to wish prosperity to the enterprise, not to support the nature of the business itself.
Katundi reminded that the Orthodox tradition has a whole series of rituals related to the beginning of construction, the opening of enterprises, or moving into a new home. The priest explained: “Many do not know the meaning of the rite. We are merely passing on a blessing for good and well-being.”
Representatives of the Orthodox Church in official statements do not always directly comment on such cases, but note that the church does not endorse gambling. In the Christian community, this case evoked a mixed reaction: some insist on strictness towards gambling, others urge not to confuse the ritual with personal endorsement.
The issue of interpreting the ritual became central to the debate. Why did an apparently ordinary action cause so much emotion? To answer this, it is important to consider the long and complex history of religious practice in Albania.
Historical and cultural context of religion in Albania
Albania is known for its unique atmosphere of religious tolerance. According to the 2011 census, 57% of the country’s population are Sunni Muslims, 10% are Catholics, and about 7% are Orthodox (the church claims this group is underestimated and cites a figure up to 25%). Followers of the Bektashi order and representatives of other minorities also live in Albania.
Despite the diversity, the number of practicing religious people is small. According to Pew Research Center studies, in the late 2010s, only a small portion of Albanians regularly attended places of worship.
It is worth recalling that since 1967, after the communists came to power, any religious practices were banned in the country. Albania declared itself the first and only “constitutionally atheist” state in the world. Only in the early 1990s, with the fall of the regime, was freedom of religion restored, and church life gradually revived.
It is this history that has shaped a special perception of church rituals: for many, such actions are perceived more as part of cultural tradition than as a strict religious mandate.
The development of the gambling business in Albania
The gambling industry in modern Albania is demonstrating rapid growth. According to estimates by Albanian media and experts, more than a thousand betting outlets operate across the country. In just one year, Albanians spend over €100 million on gambling. And although legislation prohibits minors (under 18) from entering gaming halls, in practice violations occur regularly. Journalists have repeatedly recorded the presence of teenagers in such establishments.
Social policy experts note that the widespread prevalence of gambling can have a negative effect on youth and exacerbate addiction. According to the Ministry of Health, the number of people seeking help for gambling addiction is increasing every year.
In other European countries, issues of gambling business regulation are handled differently. Some states have strict restrictions on advertising and the placement of such establishments, and the church often openly expresses its disapproval of casinos or betting outlets opening.
Online casinos in Albania: the position of the state and the church
Interestingly, while there is such a loyal attitude toward betting shops, including online bookmakers, online casinos in Albania remain illegal and unregulated. Most Albanian gambling enthusiasts choose international licensed online casinos. This happens partly because they offer a wide variety of gambling games.
Among young players in Albania, one of the most popular types of entertainment is crash games, such as Aviatrix. These are offered by major online casinos, confirming the game’s popularity. This conclusion is supported by information on the site https://aviatrix.com.in/ and other sources of current data on the iGaming industry.
As for the position of the Albanian Orthodox Church regarding online casinos, despite the lack of direct statements, the general position is the same as towards other gambling entertainments, which are regarded as sinful.
Social and religious contradictions
Can the blessing of a business be considered a moral justification for the activity itself? This question became central to disputes between members of society and religious communities. Supporters of the ritual believe that the church cannot ignore economic reality and supports any honest undertaking. Opponents see any connection with the gambling business as a compromise with one’s conscience.
The Albanian Orthodox Church, as well as Muslim and Catholic communities, officially opposes gambling. However, in society, attitudes on this issue depend on personal values, upbringing, and historical experience.
Interestingly, disagreements even extend to statistics on religious affiliation. The church believes that its followers are significantly more numerous than state statistics indicate. This reflects a blurred religious identity and the complexities of blending tradition and modernity.
Expert opinions and the international context
Such cases of blessing controversial businesses are not unique to Albania. In a number of European countries, scandals have even arisen from attempts to consecrate banks, shops, or enterprises, as some believers perceive these actions as “approval” of questionable activities.
Sociologists note that such conflicts indicate a contradiction between the secular nature of the state and the enduring significance of religious rituals. According to religion expert Arben Kolja, “any ceremony in the public space immediately becomes the subject of attention and debate, as society seeks new points of reference between tradition and modernity.”
In such situations, the reputation of the church can be strengthened if the ritual is explained properly, or suffer if there is a lack of transparency and communication with society.
Contextualization and explanations
Why did Albania react so strongly to the news about the “blessing” of a betting shop? A society that recently experienced decades of atheism responds sensitively to any public display of religiosity, especially when it is associated with commercial matters.
Religious rituals that become the center of scandals often force the church and society to choose: where does tradition end and support for a controversial business begin? In many countries, church involvement in the economy provokes debate. For example, the Catholic Church has traditionally refused to consecrate gambling establishments. In Judaism and Islam, the attitude towards gambling is decidedly negative.
It is difficult to maintain balance between religion, culture, and the economy. The scandal around the Albanian priest showed that even a small ritual can expose deep social contradictions and make one reflect on where the line between the spiritual and the material lies.