Gregory of Durrës

Lore & Background

Gregory was born around the end of the 17th century. He is first mentioned in 1720 when he met a Serbian illuminist in Ottoman Berat. He was a student of the Aromanian philosopher Ioannis Chalkeus and worked as a teacher in Berat before moving to Moscopole. He became a monk before 1731, likely learning printing during that time, possibly from Venetian printmaker Nikolaos Glykys. Around 1730 he founded the Moscopole printing house, with equipment brought from Venice. He oversaw the press until at least 1744, after which his name no longer appears in Moscopole publications. After 1744, he is thought to have taken up residence at Saint Gjon Vladimir's Church in Elbasan, where he may have introduced the Elbasan Gospel Manuscript in 1761. He was the first to translate the Old and New Testament into Albanian using an original alphabet he invented around 1761.

Reader's Guide

Gregory of Durrës is significant for his pioneering role in Albanian printing and script development. He founded the Moscopole printing house, which produced at least 14 acolytes and 20 different publications between 1731 and 1760, contributing to the spread of Orthodox liturgical texts. His invention of the Elbasan script and translation of the Bible into Albanian represent early milestones in Albanian literature and Orthodox biblical scholarship. The Elbasan Gospel Manuscript remains one of the oldest known Albanian Orthodox texts. A scholarly debate exists over whether Gregory of Durrës and Gregory the Printer were two different people, with evidence from a 1744 book and a 1742 engraving supporting a single identity. His legacy is tied to the cultural and religious history of Ottoman Albania, though his presence in Elbasan lacks direct documentary proof.

Did You Know?

• Gregory is thought to have invented the Elbasan script, an original Albanian alphabet used for the Elbasan Gospel Manuscript.
• He founded the Moscopole printing house around 1730, with printing equipment brought from Venice.
• His last signature as Metropolitan of Durrës was in 1772, the year he is considered to have died.
• A 1742 engraving of Gregory includes the title 'the Ieromonach Gregory of Moscopole and Printer,' supporting the view that he was one person.