In June 16^th the students of the last year in the Theological Academy “The Resurrection of Christ” in Saint Vlash of Durres gathered together at the hall “Sion” with their teachers and relatives to celebrate the graduation day. These four years will remain in memory as the most beautiful and impressing ones in their lives because no other school in our country would provide the opportunity of building theological knowledge.

No other place would provide the opportunity to experience this faith, worship life and spiritual growth. For all the conditions provided for the students I want to thank Archbishop Anastasios because everything has been a gift by him- bishop Nikolla emphasized in his opening speech.

Monday, date June 16^th was the feast day of the Holy Spirit. The apostles always asked for the Holy Spirit and filled with Him. “This Holy Spirit that radically changed and directed the lives of apostles is ready to dwell and act within us today, changing also our own lives. This marked day becomes more special in the graduation ceremony of the students of the fourth year, part of whom I am too-Theano Kostoli, the just-graduated best student said.

Continuing the traditional speech of the best student, she said that the path to reach this phase in life has not been easy, but with continuing efforts, hard work, with trouble and above all with the hope to progress. Behind all these, the hope, faith and love that comes from God stand.

In this important day for the academy, a feast program with speeches, meditations, hymns and a lunch for all the people present there was organized in the environment of the Academy.  In fact the Academy and the Church was celebrating the crowning of the studies of this generation of students preparing them to become new and zealous cooperators for the social and spiritual work of the Church all over Albania. Present in this celebration were also His Beatitude, Archbishop of Tirana, Durres and all Albania, Anastasios, Bishop Antonios (ex-student in this Academy), clergy and teachers etc.

     In his greeting speech Archbishop Anastasios said: “attending this feast today I remember the words of the psalmist that says, ‘Let us always bless the Lord.”’ The heart is filled with praise for God and the mind goes back at the time when this place was a ruined one. From 1992 until today a great job has been done. When I was in Africa, there was a custom that in the end of the Vespers there was dance and joy. I told them that there is a place that is called Albania where for 23 years in a row they have been forbidden to read the Holy Scripture, to light candles, or to keep their icons. The eyes of all ... opened. Later on I told them that I had been appointed from the Patriarchy which is responsible for the whole world to go and offer my help. What do you think? Complete silence followed. I told them that it is you who should give me your blessing and to continually pray for me here in this place because I have told you that obviously the road will be very difficult. That would be one of the most unforgettable nights. The history here in Albania originates in Africa. In fact things were very difficult here. We celebrated our first Liturgies under the trees or in the ruins of the churches. I remember those times in order that our hearts be filled with praise for God for everything that He has given us.

After the speeches and the hymns in the hall, the delivering of diplomas took place as well as the joy of wishes and warm congratulations directed toward the just-graduated students. In this moment also, the Archbishop addressing to the just-graduated students told them to always have a living memory, a memory of God’s gifts like the people of Israel in Old Testament, to feel the responsibility of their job in the Church, to have boldness, zeal at work and in spirit, witnessing for Christ anytime. After that both parents and students wished the same way as Kristi, a student of the third year, “I wish my older just-graduated friends to keep this relationship with the Church and to give what they feel in the depth of their hearts, being ready at any time to help the Church meet its needs. In the end the students greeted each other with hugs and joy teardrops and with the desire to offer the Church and society their theological, spiritual and social knowledge that they gained in this Academy.       

   By Julia Pjetri
   Translated by: Joan Baba
   Edited by: Juliana Pici