Four women from various Orthodox Christian jurisdictions from the United States gathered with their fellow sisters here in Albania to conduct a conference for the Orthodox Presvyteras and Diakonisas of the Orthodox Church in Albania. This effort is the vision of Archbishop Anastasios. Presvytera Kristina Koroveshi, Diakonissa Alexandria Ritsi, Diakonissa Mikea Topanxha, and Diakonissa Nestilda Lapanxa welcomed fellow clergy wives Renee Ritsi, Joy Corona, and Anastasia Jonas, and lay leader and nurse Karen Brown to Tirana. After two days of orientation and a visit to Fier, the women went to the Monastery of Shen Vlash to work together with their Albanian counterparts to co-lead a three-day conference for their fellow Orthodox sisters from five metropolises of the Archdiocese.
Nearly 50 women attended the conference that was held this past weekend at the Resurrection of Christ Theological Academy and Myrrh Bearing Women Skete at Shen Vlash.
The theme of the Conference, “Healthy Mind, Healthy Body, Healthy Soul” was introduced by Presbytera Renee Ritsi and Diakonissa Alexandria Ritsi on the 21st September. One of the primary goals of the Conference was to provide time for fellowship between the clergy wives and to provide information about guiding our families and ourselves in a life that is healthy for our souls, bodies, and minds. After the tragic passing of Fr. Niko Lushi, we all realized how important these topics are to our Orthodox families.
The Conference had both small and large group sessions. Lively discussions were held in some of the small groups which were more intimate. In addition to the American women’s presentations on the theme: Healthy Body, Healthy Mind, Healthy Soul, highlights of the conference were the presentations given by His Beatitude Archbishop Anastasios, His Grace Bishop Asti, and Presvytera Ana Lushi. Presvytera Ana shared her words on the early death of her husband. She reflected on the importance of going to Church and being close to God, not only for herself, but also for her two children.
In addition, Prifteresha Kristina Koroveshi led a small group on the theme of Family, Communication, and Conflict Resolution. Diakonissa Sevastiani Qako also led a small group on stress and how it affects our families.
Other topics during the three-day retreat included: the Parable of the woman with the flow of blood; Taking time for ourselves; Christian virtues that bring inner peace; how do we, as Orthodox Christians, respond to mental illness; Tools of a healthy family; the preparation and significance of Koliva; why is physical activity important; why do you need to attend Church to grow spiritually and how does it affect your mental health; what is stress and how does it affect the family; how to keep your family healthy on a budget.
There was also time for prayer in the Divine Liturgy, Orthros, Vespers, and the Paraklesis to the Theotokos. The women also enjoyed singing together during Liturgical services and later sang traditional Albanian songs.
By far, the most riveting and gratifying experience for both the American and Albanian Presvytera’s was meeting, and interacting with His Beatitude Archbishop Anastasios. One theme that remained in their minds is from Proverbs 21: 3, which His Beatitude spoke on: “To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.”
The Albanian and American women enjoyed the assistance of five very capable translators who assisted with communications: Presvytera Theano Kostoli, Presvytera Georgia Bendo, Presvytera Juliana Kodheli, Diakonissa Mikea Topanxha, and Diakonissa Nestilda Lapanxa.
Many of the participants of the Conference expressed that this was the first time that they attended the Clergy Wives Conference. We also had a number of women who had participated in the last two conferences.
At the end of both sessions the women expressed their gratitude and appreciation to His Beatitude Archbishop Anastasios, the Orthodox Church of Albania, and to OCMC for this time of faith, fellowship, and learning.
