Boys and girls camp, “The Resurrection of Christ”, of the diocese of Korça in the beautiful nature of Voskopoja. (August 2006)

    For the Glory of God with the blessing of His Eminence, Metropolitan John of Korça in the Holy Metropolis of Korça a youth camp “The Resurrection of Christ” was held near the monastery of Saint John the Baptist in Voskopoja. This camp in its eighth year is now a tradition and is financed by the National Youth Office in collaboration with the Youth Office of Korça.

    From July 13 to July 22, 2006, the girls’ camp was held with 54 people, 42 were campers and for most of them it was their first time in the camp. Father Viktor Konomi was the spiritual leader and the camp leaders were Varvara Boço and Anjeza Panolli.

    While the boys’ camp was held from July 22 to July 31, 2006 with 58 people, 45 of them were campers ages 13 – 16 years old. Father Konstandin Mujo was the spiritual leader and the camp leaders were Mihal Sonellari and Vangjel Qazimllari.

    Students from the Theological Academy “The Resurrection of Christ” helped in both camps as well as male and female volunteers from the Orthodox Youth Group of Korça.

    The main theme of this camp was “Living with God”. The main talks were related with the parables in the Gospel. Also, catechism lessons for the campers were organized. Some of the themes included the Nicene Creed, fasting, saints, icons, prayers and sacraments. Both boys and girls camps had a program full of games and different entertaining activities, also excursions to the sites and the churches of the area, which have much religious, historical, cultural and national values. A beautiful custom was the gathering around the campfire every evening. During the evening different talks were held.

    On July 25^th, the feast day of Saint Anna’s, which also corresponds to the anniversary of the Enthronement of His Eminence Metropolitan John of Korça, a group from the boys’ camp took part in the ceremony of the 8^th anniversary of his enthronement. On July 26^th the feast day of Saint Paraskevi, in the monastery of Saint John the Baptist a large wooden cross was prepared which was placed in the ruins of Saint Paraskevi’s and Dionisy ‘s church in Voskopoja.

    The cross was taken out from the church with prayers and it followed the icons which were in front of it. Praying and singing the whole camp went through Saint Paraskevi’s church where all together they placed the cross in a visible point across the road.

    While on July 27^th the Metropolitan of Korça visited the boys’ camp. During his visit he had a warm conversation with the campers and later they had lunch together.

    The program of the camp included an excursion in a pilgrimage form in Shipske village to Saint Nicholas church. The same day the last meeting was held around the campfire during which the campers gave their impressions of the camp. Also the service of baptism for 7 boys and 3 girls was led by the priest of the camp. They had catechism lessons before, and after the service they received the Holy Sacraments of the church.

    This camp still remains a favorite for the youth of the Korça Diocese and gives its contribution to the spiritual growth of the young people and also completes a part of the spiritual needs of the youth in this diocese. Even though this camp still needs improvement, it was successful and achieved its goal. It was really nice to see the young people get along together like a special family. Now between new friendships that were made in the name of Christ, this camp was closed, which began and ended for the Glory of God.