– They were as happy as the Easter itself… –
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From 12 -25 April in the four dioceses of our Church, the warm words, honest smiles of the children and heartfelt wishes of the parents were the most special gift during the time of preparation for Pascha. In the framework of the feast of the Resurrection of Christ, more than 1200 children participated in educative and entertaining activities, organized from the Children’s Office in collaboration with the catechists in the dioceses at the end of the Lent period. This activity was organized in Tirana, Elbasan, Gramsh, Shkodër, Berat, Fier, Lushnje, Korçë, ect.
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The children were informed a few days earlier for the special activity which they were looking forward. The activity had lots of variety and was as joyful as Pascha itself. The children were divided in groups where they were tought about this celebration, had games, songs and at the end of the activity in some places the children received a package as a gift for the feast. Joy was reflected in the children’s eyes as they all finished the art and craft project which was an Easter Egg made from beens. The children left the centers with the hope that next year they will learn and experience more this great celebration.
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It is important to emphasize that the program achieved its intended goal, sending the good news to these children and there families. This was evident from there concentration in the lesson but most of all from the thanksgiving prayers to God. A number of these children helped the priests during the services of Holy Week. During the lesson many questions were addressed and the children showed interes. The teachers tried to give to the children the meaning of this feast and also the explanation of the red egg.
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Sindi from Gramshi which is in the 6th grade said: “Different from other times, this activity was more special. The way we felt during the lesson about Easter will be unforgettable in my mind.” While Dionisi from Tirana said: “I want to be a burning candle where ever I go.”
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In a conversation with one of the parents we understood an interesting fact: “In previous time the parents tought the children about faith, but now the children are teaching us parents. My son tought my wife and me the Pascha troparion and we also learned the meaning of the red egg.”
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This activity had a great spiritual importance because the children not only passed some hours in a christian fellowship, but they also learned about the Holy Pascha and experienced in a deeper way the redemptory passions and what the Lord did for each one of us personally for our salvation and the eternal life. Great help was offered also from the parish youth for making this project real.
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In this way the joy of the Pascha period was accompanied with many spiritual and cultural activities for children. This activity is becoming a reach tradition in our Church, which gives the opportunity to the young generation to get to know the orthodox faith and to become members of a big community of love with Christ in the center. The atmosphere was enthusiastic and many children experienced the joy of getting to know one another, community prayers offered to God, with the desire to follow Christ’s path in order to be worthy members of the Church.
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Childrens’s Office, Tirana
Translated and edited by Gabriela Hoppe |
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