“God is with us, and we are with Him”.
The Orthodox Church has a long tradition of dedication to the education of the younger generation with the teachings of Jesus Christ and living life according His will. The Summer Camp for girls continued its program this year at the Holy Monastery of Saint John Vladimir, in Elbasan. The special care of the Orthodox Church and its leader, Archbishop Anastasios, enabled 250 girls, from different areas of the country, to participate in three 10-day camps, from June 28 to July 28, and to learn and experience the truths of their faith. Twenty-two (22) girls became members of our Church through the Mystery of Baptism.
40 other young women from the Theological Academy, experienced catechists and members of youth groups, offered their valuable service in organizing the camp program, and collaborating with the girls in teaching the gospel.
The program was very active with competitions and presentation such as: promoting different themes on Prayer, the Sacraments, God, sin, etc; exhibition of artistic creations, Olympic games, a volleyball tournament, arts and crafts, a humorous evening, time to be more aware for things that are needed in the world and the role of the Christian before them; and a Biblical competition and presentations on the feasts and the Liturgical Year. Through conversations and discussions, in order to increase the knowledge of our faith, through meetings in groups using lessons from the book: “Our Life in God”, the first and second volumes, the days of the camp became a journey and an experience of Christian faith and our responsibility as disciples of Christ, the Lord of the Universe.
The daily communication with the Creator, through prayer and reflection, explanation and participation in the Divine Liturgy, Baptism and confession, helped to better understand our faith, not merely as a ritual, but as recognition of a personal connection with the Savior Jesus Christ, our God. God is always with us regardless of what we are; His love is not conditional; but love requires our response and responsibility, our time and commitment, our actions and care, as His Eminence Anthony emphasized in his talk during the second camp.
Ask yourself why you are here and what you want from God? Learning to live with yourself and begin the journey to achieve full humanity – urged His Eminence John during the third camp.
Life in the camp is a model of the spiritual live that each Christian needs to follow. The camps are “the spiritual summer university”, which helps us to see life as, not just being, but life with a goal and mission to fulfill the divine plan of God for each of us.
Thanks to all those who made possible this camp, which is a miracle every year, because where there is God, there is joy and life, and especially thank you to the parents who care for the living education of their children by sending their daughters to the “Good Shepherd” camp.
Ana Baba
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