\n\tNearly 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.<\/span><\/p>\n \n\tThe theme of the Conference, \u201cHealthy Mind, Healthy Body, Healthy Soul\u201d 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.<\/span><\/p>\n \n\tThe 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\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n \n\tIn 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.<\/span><\/p>\n \n\tOther 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.<\/span><\/p>\n \n\tThere 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.<\/span><\/p>\n \n\tBy far, the most riveting and gratifying experience for both the American and Albanian Presvytera\u2019s 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: \u201cTo do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \n\tThe 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.<\/span><\/p>\n \n\tMany 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.<\/span><\/p>\n \n\tAt 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.<\/span><\/p>\n \n\t <\/p>\n \n\t <\/p>\n \n\t![\"](\"https:\/\/farm2.staticflickr.com\/1976\/44010717885_91ea9bb277.jpg\")