On the 19^th of December, several Orthodox students from various departments of the University of Tirana gathered together at the Students’ Center on Tuesday afternoon to celebrate the coming of Christmas. In the Reception Hall there were more than 70 students who participated in the celebrating event organized by the leaders of this center.

The wishes, the festive songs, the gifts and the fireworks along with the celebrating atmosphere brought about a special event in the Students’ City. The guest speaker at the last students’ meeting of this year was Deacon Hector. He talked about the importance of such a feast in the life of each Christian. “We celebrate Christmas and forget about Christ. The Creator of the universe became part of His own creation. And He did this in the simplest way. Among many lights of this world, we as Christians are called to reflect upon this mystery.”

In addition, students read several Christmas stories and prayed together to the Baby Christ writing a special wishing card which they put inside the manger set on a corner of the hall. In spite of the drizzle, everybody went out in the surrounding areas of the Center and lighted the festal fireworks wishing to one another much more joy and faith in Christ.

After this impressing event, each student left with a beautiful present which contained a Christmas message, a candle and a notebook, as a nice remembrance from the Students’ Center of the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania.

I. Koti

Translated by Juljana Pici