The camp is not only a place of rest, but also a place of getting closer to God.

The days follow one another, while the miracle of a blessed life in a big family continues for other 12 days in the beautiful and quiet monastery of St. John Vladimir. The third girl’s camp took place in this monastery from August 7-18, 2006, in which participated 55 girls from different regions such as Tirana, Elbasani, Korça, Prespa, Fieri, Berati, Lushnja, Vlora etc.

This camp was organized and led by Markela Karaj, a catechist of our Church and a kindergarten teacher in Elbasan, together with Varvara Boço from Korça, a graduate of the Theological Academy of St.Vlash, and now a student of Philology in Greece. 

Mikea Marku, Elena Krakulli, newly-graduated from the Theological Academy, Klaudja Karaj, a teacher of Elementary School, in Elbasan, Sofia Bregu, a student of Thelogical Academy, Irini Davidhi, a student of Medical Faculty and Dafina Davidhi, a student of computer science acted as group leaders. Lindita Lushka, a coordinator of Student City Ministry and Marjeta Gorreja employed in the Kindergarten Office of the Church, were in charge of special activities.

The program of the camp enabled all the girls to learn more about Christian life and to begin to experience such a life in their family environment. Each day of the camp began and ended with prayer. Every day after morning prayer, quiet time was the most private moment with God for all the girls.

During the Bible Study time the group leaders taught the girls the basic principles of the Christian life such as: being active in the sacramental life of the Church, praying and fasting, reading the Holy Scriptures,  giving testimony, sharing the faith with others and obeying God’s will.

During the days of the camp the girls had the chance to listen and to be active participants in homilies and discussions whose topics were taken from the epistle of Paul to the Romans chapter 12: 9-21. The speakers were archimandrite Andoni, Mr. Nathan Hoppe, His Eminence Ignati and Mrs. Lynette Hoppe. The topics on Christian family and preparation for the next life, were very interesting and beneficial to all the girls. The camp priest, father Viktor Berdufi, gave an explanation of the divine Liturgy and other church services that were celebrated in the camp.

Other activity such as: arts and crafts, sport and dress competition, special banquet, climbing, etc. made the days of the camp more interesting. Nine girls, put on Christ, and began their journey toward Holiness through Holy Baptism. In this camp the girls were blessed by the visit of His Beatitude Archbishop Anastasios. During this visit the girls talked about different topics with the Church Shepherd, who every year, makes possible this activity through his special care and financial support. They discussed also about their experience during camp and the beginning of a new life with Christ.

Thankful and grateful for all who contributed to this activity the girls left the camp wishing one another: ”See you in the winter camp!”

Ana Baba

Coordinator of the girls camp in St. John Vladimir

Translated by John Baba