On October 1st, the new academic year 2007-2008 started in the Theological Academy “Resurrection of Christ” at St. Vlasios in Durrës and in the Institution of Professional Education “Spirit of Love” which is located in Tiranë and also has a separate branch in the “Emaus” Center in Gjirokastër.
From the very first day, students began their studies in these modern environments. His Beatitude, Archbishop Anastasios, who is the founder and the major financial supporter of these institutions, continues to develop the academic programs in these facilities by increasing their academic standards and having well-qualified staff and all the necessary amenities.
Students come from various parts of our country to attend the Theological Academy. One student sat down in her class, and exclaimed, “this is the most beautiful school of life!” Part of the program in the academy is the students’ liturgical life, which is experienced through their active participation in daily matins and vespers.
During the academic year, students assist in other services in the surrounding communities, such as catechism, visiting different institutions for gifted children, the orphanage, a school for the handicapped, an asylum and at hospitals, located in Durrës, Kavajë and Tiranë.
It is through their liturgical and theological studies, and life in the surrounding communities, that students achieve their spiritual and academic fulfilment.
In addition, the number of books in the academy’s library has increased this year. There are now more than 15,000 books of various subjects such as religion, science, history, and fiction.
The Academy is considered to be the most important institution of our Church since it prepares the clergy and lay – people of the future, who will serve in “God’s vineyard”. There are 193 students who have completed their studies at the academy.
Out of this number, 125 have been ordained priests, and the rest contribute and participate in various departments of our Church. The teaching staff is composed of 20 professors, both priests and lay-persons, male and female, from Albania, Greece and the United States.
A new academic year has started at the Institute of Professional Education “Spirit of Love” in Tiranë. There are 250 students enrolled and they study various majors such as Management, Computerized accounting, Computer Sciences, Medical Laboratory Specialist, Restoration and Conservation of Art pieces and Byzantine Iconography.
The school is in its seventh year and has renovated the facilities, as well as its academic program. The new curriculum is based on European standards and is similar to that of the Delta School in Greece, and in its branches throughout Europe.
The courses are for two years with the intention of preparing a new generation of professionals who will possess the up-to-date skills in their chosen profession. There are also foreign language studies and computer programming majors. The success of these academic programs can be attributed to the professors who have post-graduate degrees and are technically qualified, and who also have many years of experience in professional education.
In addition, one hundred 1st year and 2nd year students are pursuing their studies at the Emaus Center in Gjirokastër. The school offer the following majors; computerized accounting, business administration, tourism and computer sciences. About 30 Albanian and non-Albanian professors teach at the new school which is well equipped with the necessary laboratories for each major. Along with theory, students participate in the practice of their major in order to be highly skilled and competitive in the labour market after their two-year course of studies.
Translated by: Juliana Pici
