On June 14th, 2010 the Orthodox Church of Albania’s Theological Academy awarded diplomas to the 10 students of the senior class. “Always having the blessing of the Church, I am optimistic for the future,” said Emiljan Lito, valedictorian of the class in his speech. Among those in attendance were His Grace, Bishop Nikolla, assistant dean of the Academy; His Grace, Metropolitan Ignati of Berati; His Grace, Metropolitan Joani of Korca; and His Grace, Bishop Andoni.
His Grace, Bishop Nikolla congratulated them for finishing their studies at the academy and expressed his wish that with the help of God’s endless grace, they would all become workers in the Lord’s vineyard and that their efforts would not go to waste but would bear fruit. The ceremony continued with a sermon, called “Everyone has a calling”, read by Nestilda Dangaj, one of the top students. After this the academy’s choir sang songs and hymns and His Grace, Metropolitan Joani, spoke to the new graduates, stressing the importance of gratitude over complaining and of spreading the word of God rather than our own word.
After the students received their diplomas and many congratulations from those present, the joyful day continued in a luncheon during which His Grace, Metropolitan Ignati encouraged the students to always have a living memory of the many gifts which God had given them.
Isidor Koti
Translated by Georgia Bendo
