– A group from the OCMC (Orthodox Christian Mission Centre) organized a summer camp for children of Home of Hope –
A team of eight people from different parts of America come to Albania for a short term assignment to conduct a 7-day Summer camp for the children of the Home of Hope at Saint Vlash, in Durrës. The camp was themed, “Blessed is the Kingdom of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.” The camp focused on the Parable of the Prodigal Son, and included art, music, English classes and sports. Of special interest was the Art appreciation day when Rembrandt’s portrait of “The Return of the Prodigal Son” was discussed and compared with the iconographic style and message of the Rublev, Holy Trinity. The children learned to appreciate both the aesthetics of fine art and the theological meaning in icons.
The excursion this year was to the historic city of Shkodra for the consecration of the Nativity of Christ Cathedral. After the Divine Liturgy the children together with the friends from USA and the teachers hiked up to the castle and had a picnic and visited the museum.
At the suggestion and with the blessing of His Grace Bishop Nikolla, on the last day of camp, the Annual Reunion Program and Lunch was offered for all the former teachers and children who have lived and studied at the Home of Hope. Was a great joy to hear the stories and memories of the children and teachers. It was a joy filled day and we hope to make this an annual event.
Some friends from USA left earlier, while four of them, Fr. Denis Rhodes, a priest, Jessica Lee, a psychologist, Adeline Coppola, a special education art therapist, Charles Gallagher, a foster care worker from America, together with Deaconessa Alexandria Ritsi and Anastasia Pamela Barksdale held a workshop to increase the level of care and teaching for the staff members of the Home of Hope. We also hope to continue training and capacity building workshops throughout the year. The team and camp were lead by Anastasia Pamela Barksdale, OCMC Missionary and professor of Christian Education at the Resurrection of Christ Theological Academy.
Anastasia Pamela Barksdale – OCMC Missionary in Albania
