As result of the low academic level of numerous schools in our country, the primary concern of many parents remains the education of their children Furthermore, the schools – especially elementary and high schools – in many areas of Albania are in deplorable conditions. 
According to the director of this school Mr. Anastas Dodbiba, “this school offers huge spiritual value, and combines these values with the scientific and academic information that will be provided to the young people.” The school is situated in a suitable place and is one of the most contemporary schools in Albania.
The Ecclesiastical High School “Holy Cross”, is one of the most beautiful in our country, and beyond. It is the special insight of His Beatitude Archbishop Anastasios that he always selects beautiful things, – Mr. Dodbiba said.
The academic program of this school will consist of the same scientific information as in state high schools. Besides these classes, a few theological courses will be offered including Christian ethics, catechism, Byzantine music, iconography and many others. What makes this school special compared to others is that it will not give priority just to the academic formation of the young people, but will strive to form in the students a strong character and lead them in their spiritual direction. In other words, it is a new opportunity for the youth to receive a high academic and spiritual formation, in order to better serve the Albanian society.
The school also has a dormitory which matches the rest of the school in its excellent conditions. The outdoor surroundings and the geographical position where the school is situated double the value of this school.
In order to select school students of high academic performance, various examinations were organized in the four dioceses of our country. They were tested about their knowledge in mathematics and the Albanian language. Following this, the academic staff interviewed the students with the best results to learn more about their character and their behavior. Recommendations from their previous teachers and clergy members were decisive criteria in the selection of the students. After these examinations 37 students were selected; 22 of them enrolled in the first year and 15 of them registered in the second year. This school is yet another gift of His Beatitude Archbishop Anastasios for the education of the young people. All the expenses will be covered by him.
Enea Andoni, one of the students in the first year said: “This opportunity that I have received to attend this school is very precious for me. I strongly believe that this school will help me to increase my level of knowledge, but besides this will help me in my spiritual life as well.”
The Ecclesiastical High School “Holy Cross” in Sukth is now opened after a long, beautiful and positive experience of the first Ecclesiastical High School “Holy Cross” that was opened in Gjirokastra in 1998. The students say that the academic staff of the school is well prepared and are extremely responsible toward their primary duty which is the educative and spiritual formation of the young people.
“This is an extremely special event in my life, being selected to work in this school, a school that will function for the preparation of many generations who will serve our society and our Orthodox Church”, – said Koço Josifi, the professor of mathematics and physics in this school.
As Mr. Anastas Dodbiba said, this school is another precious stone that will be added to the gold necklace, comprised by the acts of His Beatitude Archbishop Anstasios, who in the history of our country will shine and illumine the future generations.
By Marina Marini
Edited by Georgia Gilman
