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Christmas bring a special joy when each of us gives something from their self. Such a principle is an inspirational source for the volunteering women who serve the people in need through different activities.
The month of December started with a wealth of spiritual activities which were preceded by the agripni organized in the Church “The Evangelism of Theotokos” in Tirane on the occasion of the big celebration of St. Nicholas. Women had prepared the sweet breads and the koliva (the grain) and motivated the faithful to participate in the agripni to honour the saint of miracles.
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Bible study and the weekly conversations leaded by theologians were an important part of the spiritual program which influence in the broadening of religious knowledge about the orthodox faith and Christmas celebrations.
Another dimension of these women’s activities was the assistance given to the people in need on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Their help consisted in the preparation of several packages with food and clothes for 400 poor people, orphans, abandoned and disabled.
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During this time of celebrations the orthodox women and some clerics visited about 100 old abandoned people in the two missionary serving centres of Mother Theresa’s sister. They delivered sweets, detergents, clothes which were collected by the orthodox women themselves.
Other visits followed on Tuesday, on the 30th December in two prisons of women in Tirane, in the prisons numbered 325 and 311.
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They gave out 690 parcels with sweets and clothes for all those who suffer their punishment in these prisons. The financial source of these packages was the Prison Fellowship International (PFI) which centre is in Switzerland.
The women made visits also in the houses of the sick women, in particular of old women who were given various assistance.
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Women delivered everywhere the heartily wishes of Archbishop Anastasios who made possible the financing of the main expenses for the presents women made.
During this period a great contribution has been given by the community of the faithful by collecting money in the saving boxes located in both churches of Tirana.
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Rajmonda Shqevi
Translated by: Juliana Pici Edited by: Pamela Barksdale
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