A very special gift from orthodox young people of Tirana. (January 2008)
“I want to live, too!”, as we look at the faces of children who suffer from a debilitating blood disease called thalassemia we are inspired to mobilize everyone we know, to give the gift of life – our blood. God hasn’t forgotten these children, and neither must we ever forget to share the gifts we have. Even though giving blood is a […]
Christmas in Berati. (2007)
Towards the end of December, orthodox families prepare themselves for Christmas, St. Basil’s Feast day and Epiphany (the blessing of the water). In Berati, there are many traditions that are followed for these feast days. The spirit of Christmas could be felt many days before Christmas but the actual feast starts during the early morning hours of December 23rd. The […]
Christmas in Gjirokastër. (December 2007)
The orthodox faithful of Gjirokastër celebrated Christmas prayerfully in anticipation of the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. Preparations for the big event started several days before in all the churches of the diocese. There were signs posted on the streets wishing everyone a “Merry Christmas”. A wonderful concert was held in the main hall of the Kino-theatre organized by the Metropolis of Gjirokastër […]
Christmas in Korça. (2007)
Decorated trees, lighted streets, and beautiful decorations everywhere – such a festive atmosphere can be found nowhere else but in the pretty town of Korça during the Christmas holiday. The feast is felt everywhere, on every street, in every square of the town. Amidst this joyful atmosphere, is the Metropolis of Korça – at the center of everything. On December 22nd, activities start […]
Archbishop Anastasios’ gift to Prison 325. (December 2007)
The young prisoners at Prison #325 in Tirana are now enjoying a beautiful and contemporary football field. This new athletic court is a gift from the Orthodox Church of Albania from donations raised by Archbishop Anastasios. This most recent gift from the Orthodox Church to the prisons of Tirana (other gifts include the greenhouse at the women’s prison) was […]
Graduation at the Professional Training Institution “Spirit of Love” in Tirana. (November 2007)
“We are here today to celebrate the achievements made possible through the common efforts of the last two years.” With these words, Dr. Leandro Haxhi, the Board Leader of the Professional Training Institution “Spirit of Love”, greeted the 86 graduates. The ceremony was on the 24th of November and marked the end of the graduates’ course of studies. Prof. Haxhi advised the […]
Youth and the liturgical life of the Church. (November 2007)
An encounter of orthodox youth from the Balkan countries of which there were five representatives from Albania They came from different cultures and took part in the worship of God, together. It was apparent they were united in each Divine Liturgy. A group of the our orthodox youth participated in the activities organized by the Balkan Orthodox Youth Association (BOYA) that […]
Orthodox Day-Care Centers. (October 2007)
A brief Overview Under the fatherly supervision of His Beatitude, Archbishop Anastasios and through an initiative of the Orthodox Women’s Group of Tirana, the first day-care center opened on October 10, 1994. Over time, 13 more centers have been initiated. They provide a suitable educational program, for children whose parents are working, whose families have only one parent, low income families, orphans, and […]
