|
For the Glory of God with the blessing of
His Eminence, Metropolitan John of Korça in the Holy Metropolis of Korça
a youth camp "The Resurrection of Christ" was held near the monastery of
Saint John the Baptist in Voskopoja. This camp in its eighth year is now
a tradition and is financed by the National Youth Office in
collaboration with the Youth Office of Korça.
From July 13 to July 22, 2006, the girls’
camp was held with 54 people, 42 were campers and for most of them it
was their first time in the camp. Father Viktor Konomi was the spiritual
leader and the camp leaders were Varvara Boço and Anjeza Panolli. |
 |
|
 |
While the boys’ camp was held from July
22 to July 31, 2006 with 58 people, 45 of them were campers ages 13 - 16
years old. Father Konstandin Mujo was the spiritual leader and the camp
leaders were Mihal Sonellari and Vangjel Qazimllari.
Students from the Theological Academy
"The Resurrection of Christ" helped in both camps as well as male and
female volunteers from the Orthodox Youth Group of Korça. |
|
The main theme of this camp was "Living
with God". The main talks were related with the parables in the Gospel.
Also, catechism lessons for the campers were organized. Some of the
themes included the Nicene Creed, fasting, saints, icons, prayers and
sacraments. Both boys and girls camps had a program full of games and
different entertaining activities, also excursions to the sites and the
churches of the area, which have much religious, historical, cultural
and national values. A beautiful custom was the gathering around the
campfire every evening. During the evening different talks were held.
|
 |
|
 |
On July
25th, the feast day of Saint Anna's, which also corresponds
to the anniversary of the Enthronement of His Eminence Metropolitan John
of Korça, a group from the boys’ camp took part in the ceremony of the 8th
anniversary of his enthronement. On July 26th the feast day
of Saint Paraskevi, in the monastery of Saint John the Baptist a large
wooden cross was prepared which was placed in the ruins of Saint
Paraskevi's and Dionisy 's church in Voskopoja.
|
|
The cross was
taken out from the church with prayers and it followed the icons which
were in front of it. Praying and singing the whole camp went through
Saint Paraskevi's church where all together they placed the cross in a
visible point across the road.
While on July 27th the Metropolitan of Korça visited the
boys’ camp. During his visit he had a warm conversation with the campers
and later they had lunch together. |
 |
|
 |
The program of the camp included an excursion in a pilgrimage form in
Shipske village to Saint Nicholas church. The same day the last meeting
was held around the campfire during which the campers gave their
impressions of the camp. Also the service of baptism for 7 boys and 3
girls was led by the priest of the camp. They had catechism lessons
before, and after the service they received the Holy Sacraments of the
church.
|
|
This camp still remains a favorite for
the youth of the Korça Diocese and gives its contribution to the
spiritual growth of the young people and also completes a part of the
spiritual needs of the youth in this diocese. Even though this camp
still needs improvement, it was successful and achieved its goal. It was
really nice to see the young people get along together like a special
family. Now between new friendships that were made in the name of
Christ, this camp was closed, which began and ended for the Glory of
God.
|
 |
Mihal Sonellari
Translated by Krista Xhavo
|
|