Captured by Brigands

by Gjerasim Qiriazi

In 1884, a young Albanian with a dream to change to his nation boarded a carriage bound for Kortcha—unaware that on the road ahead mountain pirates awaited him. In this volume, Gerasim Kyrias recounts the true story of his capture and six months as a hostage. He describes the causes and the curse of brigandage and explains how his harrowing experience galvanized his resolve to lift his Albanian countrymen out of darkness. Gerasim Kyrias became Albania's first ordained Evangelical preacher and church planter, preaching to Albanian congregations in Thessaloniki, Monastir (Bitola), and Korça. He wrote and translated Christian hymns, founded the Albanian Gospel Brotherhood, and with his sister Sevasti established the first Albanian School for Girls in Korça. He is honored in Albania and in Macedonia as an illuminist, educator, and patriot. This book is part of the 500/200 Series published in commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation in Europe, the 200th anniversary of the Albanian Bible translation project, the 150th anniversary of the publication of the Gheg Albanian Gospels, and the 125th anniversaries of the Albanian Evangelical Brotherhood and the Albanian Girls’ School in Kortcha. Other titles in this series include "My the autobiography of the pioneer of female education in Albania" (Sevasti Kyrias Dako), "Gerasim Kyrias and the Albanian National Awakening," 1858–1894 (John Quanrud), "Albania and the Albanians in the Annual Reports of the British and Foreign Bible Society," "Albania and the Albanians in the Annual Reports of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions," and "Travels in Albania, Selected Writings from British Authoresses, 1717–1878."

146 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 7, 2016

Reviews

[David Hosaflook · Rating 5 out of 5]

A firsthand account of Balkan brigandage by Albania's first Protestant preacher. Gripping, fast read.

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend this book for those with an interest in Albania or the Balkans, missionary history, or young people who like real life adventures.

[Bledar · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good biography. A story that provides the motivation for the emancipation of the Albanians through the light of the gospel.

[Travis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable, exciting read that has a serious side, showing the great need of men for the gospel, especially the desperate Brigands of the late 19th century.

[Bette · Rating 4 out of 5]

True story from 1884 of Albanian young man's desire to share the Gospel to lift his countrymen out of darkness and his capture and 6 months as their hostage.