Introduction / History

This ethnically Albanian community lives in Italy's southern mountains, especially in Calabria, Apulia, Basilicata, Molise, and Sicily.

Their ancestors were refugees in the Kingdom of Naples and Sicily between the 1300s and 1700s. They developed their own culture and language; they speak Arbereshe Albanian. Most also speak Italian.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Their houses are small and made from stone with small stone fireplaces. My family had a small piece of land with olive trees. They traded olives and gathered twigs, wild mushrooms, and wild onions.

Their cuisine combines Italian and Albanian elements. The Arbereshes have their own music and dance traditions.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Arbereshe community is part of an Eastern Orthodox Christian sector, but many are Roman Catholic like the Italian majority. They are sometimes more committed to their church than to Jesus Christ.

What Are Their Needs?

The Arbereshes need revival in their churches and homes. Families and congregations need to make Jesus Christ the center of their lives.

Prayer Items

Pray for the Holy Spirit to send revival fire to Arbereshe churches and homes.
Pray for them to recognize Jesus Christ as their only hope.
Pray that soon Arbereshe disciples will make disciples of the least reached ethnic groups in Italy.

Scripture Prayers for the Arbereshe in Italy.

References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arb%C3%ABresh%C3%AB_people
https://nuitalian.org/2020/10/26/griko-arberesh-communities/