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With the blessing of Archbishop Anastasios, boys camps were carried out as usual in the Monastery of the Dormition of the Theotokos in Zvernec (near Vlora), the St. George Monastery in Saranda, and in the St. John the Forerunner Monastery in Korca. His Beatitude always takes great interest in these camps, attending them in person when possible, and constantly encouraging the camp leaders to give their all in this ministry. “Camps are the nursery gardens for the future framework of the Church and for all of us make up a summer university,” he has said.
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This summer was especially important as it marked the 10th year of activities at the monastery in Zvernec, and as if to join in on the festivities a number of old inhabitants – the pelicans and cranes – returned to this beautiful and rare ecosystem in the lagoon that surrounds the monastery island. Once again we must remember that all these wonderful years at camp would not have been possible had it not been for the care and support of Archbishop Anastasios, to whom we owe much gratitude.
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As usual the three sessions of camp at this monastery were divided according to age groups. This year with the theme “There is Hope,” each group gathered together for a week and a half to hear about Christ and His Church, join in prayers, and to enjoy fellowship and games with other Orthodox Christians from all over Albania. The first camp held in the beginning of July for ages 11-14 was attended by 150 children. One special day was when they attended a Divine Liturgy to celebrate the anniversary of Archbishop Anastasios being chosen by the Ecumenical Patriarch as Archbishop of Tirana.
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Another special part of the program was a documentary dubbed into Albanian about the lives of the Saints, which helped all the boys to become better acquainted with these holy lives. At the end of camp 30 boys made the decision to join themselves to Christ and walk on the road of salvation, through receiving Holy Baptism.
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The second session of camp in Zvernec was attended by high school students and directed by the teaching staff of the Theological Academy. The program was filled from morning to evening with activities: morning prayers, catechism, group discussions, excursions to the nearby beaches of the Ionian Sea, sports championships, and the creating of a camp radio station. This camp was crowned with the baptism of 14 catechumens, adding to the list of those made members of the Church of Christ at this monastery.
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About 100 boys participated in the third camp session. Here the brothers in Christ were helped to know God better by the many spiritual discussions. Also they were given the chance to take Confession from Fr. Justin who joined the boys, working tirelessly to be near them and give them priceless advice. Another special event at this camp was an excursion to St. Theodor Monastery in the beautiful mountain village of Dhermi near the coast of the Ionian Sea where they held a Paraklesis Service.
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On the last night of camp prizes were given out for the sports and music competitions and the boys left with faith and hope in God, looking forward to their return next year.
The youth camp at the St. John the Forerunner Monastery was held once again this year with the blessing of His Grace Joan, Metropolitan of Korca. This camp is funded by the National Youth Office of the Church and contributes considerably to the spiritual needs of the youth in this diocese.
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Meanwhile in Saranda, with the blessing of His Grace Dhimitri, Metropolitan of Gjirokaster, a camp was held at the St. George Monastery. This was the fourth year of this camp and was directed by catechists, workers from the Youth Office, and students from the Theological Academy. This camp was a special time for a number of children who live in distant and isolated areas of the diocese.
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The purpose of all of the camps is to create an environment where the boys could learn and spiritually cultivate the lessons of the Gospel. Furthermore, it gives them a chance to try to live according to God’s will in a Christian brotherhood, through spiritual, cultural, and recreational activities. Camp experiences help our young men to offer a different voice in their various communities through their Christian behavior and sharing of hope and comfort to those around them. In this way the Orthodox Church of Albania is able to affect the Albanian society, by helping the youth to know the true faith and be healthy parts of the society.
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