Our Past Events

Ledia Xhoga Captivates at Fan Noli’s Virtual Cultural Event

Rafaela Prifti

Ledia Xhoga brought the rich landscape of Misinterpretation to the Fan Noli Cultural Center and Library in a virtual event last Sunday afternoon, April 26. The 2025 Booker Prize nominated author walked us through her haunting story of an Albanian woman in present day New York, a character defined by susceptibility to other people’s pain.  Misreadings anchor the mini-plots of her debut novel, weaving the nuances of translation into the complexities of human intimacy. Thanks to her authentic storytelling and warmth, it was an afternoon of literary discovery and wonder that truly deserves an Encore!

Real places - Raw emotions! Sunday’s book talk revealed just how much reality grounds Ledia Xhoga’s fiction. From the streets of New York to the historic castle of Berat, Albania, the story’s locations, right down to the specific hotel of the town, are places readers can visit both on the page and in person. Even the bridge on the Slovakian-Hungarian border, a question put to the author by Director Bob Tochka, is real. In fact, Xhoga once considered applying for a fellowship based there.

The novel’s Albanian-ness is woven into gestures, dialogue, and in the silences. Her narrative captures these subtle nuances with striking intensity that it is no surprise she has already been approached for film adaptations.

Please enjoy Artan Malaj’s photos of the event...

The 1st Annual Building Bridges in Finance was held at Bentley College. The Building Bridges program connects, mentors, and empowers the next generation of Albanian Americans. Many thanks to the professionals who took the time to share their experience in and knowledge of the finance and banking field, and to the students (and families) who attended. 

More Building Bridges opportunities are coming this spring: Law, Teaching, Public Safety, and Engineering & Tech.

Sign up for updates or suggest new professions click the link here: https://forms.gle/B8yjRD2Au7MhvTGk6 

The Fan Noli Library and Cultural Center and St. George Cathedral welcomed Ambassador William Walker, renowned diplomat and author of Reçak: Story of a War Crime.  Rarely are we given the opportunity to meet heroes who have changed the course of history. Ambassador Walker is one of them, a man who, with his courage and determination, influenced the just outcome of the Kosova war.  This special gathering was moderated by Rafela Prifti who drew the audience into the author’s story, guiding them to feel and reflect on the deeper message the book carries today.

This was the Noli Cultural Center’s inaugural book series event honoring the legacy of the distinguished Albanian brothers Peter and Naum Prifti. The series is a tribute to the Prifti brothers' role as prominent chroniclers of the Albanian experience and their shared intellectual legacy. Collectively, their work is deeply intertwined with the Kosova and Albanian cause. Enjoy the photos from this historic event (photography by Subi Cako).

The 1st Annual Pie Festival, sponsored by the Fan S. Noli Cultural Center and the Daughters of St. George Cathedral, was a tremendous success! More than 30 pies were baked and donated for this celebration of our culinary heritage. It was a truly extraordinary event, made possible by the talent, generosity, and love for tradition of the members of our community. A team of dedicated judges took on the very difficult task of tasting and scoring all the tantalizing entries.

Congratulations to our category winners:

• Leek Byrek – Roberta Panarati
• Spinach Byrek – Kristen Savage
• Squash Byrek – Adriana Stefani Kuruni

And to our Overall Winner for Best Byrek – Roberta Panarati!

The day was enhanced by the spirited St. George dancers and the talented Arjan Papa who got everyone singing with gusto.

We thank all those who helped make this festival a success.  Special thanks to Pizzeria 260 and to the VATRA Adult Day Health Center/ Mother Teresa of Salem Adult Day Health Center for their constant support of our community activities. We are also grateful for Subi Cako who captured the joy and celebration of the day in photos.

We look forward to making next year’s Pie Festival even bigger and better!  

The 2nd Annual Building Bridges in Healthcare was held at the South Boston Public Library. This initiative connects, mentors, and empowers the next generation of Albanian Americans. Huge thanks to the Building Bridges: Healthcare Board, the professionals who shared their journeys in the healthcare field, and the students (and families) who attended with hope and purpose. Enjoy these beautiful moments sharing the heart and vision of the series.

More series are coming this spring: Financial Industry, Law, Teaching, Public Safety, and Engineering & Tech.

Sign up for updates or suggest new professions click the link here: https://forms.gle/B8yjRD2Au7MhvTGk6 

The Fan Noli Library and Cultural Center hosted a presentation of American Dream on Sunday, January 18, at St. George Albanian Orthodox Cathedral. The biographical novel by Eris Rusi, Associate Professor and Chair of the Language and Literature Department at Fan Noli University of Korçë, traces Beqir Potka’s risky escape from communist Albania, his pursuit of the American Dream, and his path to becoming a successful businessman. The book also highlights his lasting connection to his Albanian roots and his dedication to supporting younger generations seeking opportunities in the United States. The discussion with Eric Rusi and Beqir Potka was moderated by Rafaela Prifti. English copies of the book were available for signing. 

Please enjoy the wonderful photos taken by photographer Subi Cako.