February 7 to 14
Marriage is a treasure! It is at the center of every culture and every nation. Healthy marriages are the foundation for healthy families, and healthy families are the pillars of a strong society and with values. Sometimes to marriage is not given the care that it deserves. Marriage Week aims to remind married couples in Albanian to prioritize and respect each other.
“Marriage Week” is an international Christian movement which has spread to 25 countries, including ours. About 2 million people from 20 countries of the European continent took part in the activities of the Marriage Week.
In our Church, marriage is one of the seven main sacraments and the believers are constantly called to have the kind of marriage that God intended it to be.
During this week, with the blessing of Archbishop Anastasios, several activities were held in this context.
One activity for married couples was held on Sunday, Fabryary 9, when 30 married couples gathered at the Cultural Center of the new “Resurrection of Christ” Cathedral. Archbishop Anastasios was also present at this event. His Beatitude stressed the sanctity of the family and its importance in strengthening the entire society.
Participant couples had the opportunity to spend some beautiful moments in the decorated hall of the Cathedral. They received as a gift the book: “Five languages of love”. Some couples even shared their thoughts on this book, by connecting it with their married life.
The participants were also greeted by the Bishop of Kruja, His Grace Anthony, who stressed that marriage is keeping promises. He continued saying, “Always remember the covenant that you have with God and each other in your marriage.”
Another activity related to marriage, took place on 12 February, with the Orthodox Youth of Tirana, at the Cultural Center of the new “Resurrection of Christ” Cathedral. Deacon Stephanos Ritsi and his wife, Alexandria Ritsi, stressed before the youth that marriage must have God at the center, and marriage is approaching towards each other.
For participants was also given a movie that was connected with love and marriage.
Activities for the Week of Marriage are also planned in other Orthodox churches in Albania.
Ana Meni
