The students of the Theological Academy the “Resurrection of Christ” in St. Vlash of Durrës organized an annual meeting for seniors from the different parishes in our Church to take part in Christian social interaction in a beautiful setting.

About 60 young people joined the students learning more about student life at the academy and why no everyone with the hope to be apart of her one day. The activities took place on May 16^th through the 18^th in the serene Monastery of Saint Vlash.

     The students took part in different activities such as Church services, group discussions, games, dancing, and a trip in the beach. The theme of the meeting was, “Youth, the Gift of Life”, which Professor Dhimiter Qosja spoke of most eloquently.

A welcoming address was given by the assistant director of the academy, His Grace Nikolla, Bishop of Apolonia. He said, “While staying in the beautiful surroundings of this monastery, you will feel the magnificence of a young person’s life that God has given you. If you have considered it, let it grow stronger, if the problems and difficulties of age have weakened the bearings of your youth, let it regenerate here gaining power and life from God’s grace, which continuously regenerates and rejuvenates us”.

     Saturday, the second day of the meeting, was filled with many activities, such as time for collective prayer, group discussions, and enjoying the ambience of the academy. The seniors understood the important message of Professor Qosja and how they can prepare for life and face disappointing moments that are all a part of life.  To appreciate lessons and school fellowship and to keep the energy that they must accumulate now, using it all through their lives.
                                                                 
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     Another gathering took place at the Tabor Center for Spiritual Education as well. About 50 young people from youth groups in the Tirana diocese focused on “youthful activity” and “diligence and active youth”. The purpose was to train young people to learn handicrafts and to gain experience to share in their own youth centers.

     They learned how to make prayer ropes, braided crosses, wooden icons, and religious art made with gypsum. Five delegates from each youth group separated into smaller groups where they could learn a variety of activities. They are hopeful that the crafts they have learned can be used to earn an income to support other youth activities in their centers.

     It wasn’t all work, however, as they groups had spiritual, social-cultural and amusing program also. Archimandrite Kosma Prifti spoke of “Diligent and Active Youth, and asserted that young people have great power in society, and with work and vision, they can make profound changes.

The funds used for these activities were donated by Madeleine Hirsch Jemma and Esther Osther Oettli, of Switzerland, and were gratefully received by everyone involved in the project.

   Nestilda Dangaj & Emanuel Pupi

    Translated by Nikola Marku

    Edited by Melanie Linderman