Following past tradition, the beginning of the new school year 2007-2008, was begun by the blessing of the schools with Holy Water. The experience gained through the years and the excellent level of teaching prepares the future generations of students. The beautiful environment of the schools and the quality of the teaching materials, and the excellent staff, all contribute to bring the students to the highest level of education available in Albania. These schools serve, in fact, as the ‘fertile ground’ for the spiritual and the moral resurrection of our society.

In its sixth year, the Albanian-American school, “The Protagonist”, is well along in terms of being established.  According to the assistant director of the school, Mrs. Tatiana Dodbiba, there are eleven classes this year with 172 pupils and 24 instructors who are all specialized in their fields.

     The surroundings of the school are beautiful and the children happy. Ms. Irena, a teacher, told us the beginning of this year was significant because “We have built a good relationship between the staff and the students.” Also, the school is well equipped with the necessary textbooks, workbooks and teaching supplies and equipment.

The Greek-Albanian school “Spirit of Love” in Durrës, has started its third year. Ms. Elsa, one of its teachers, said “The new school year has begun well. Lessons were underway on the very first day of school after a festive program welcoming the students”. The classrooms are well furnished, and the pupils have been provided with the necessary textbooks.

     The children of the Home of Hope also shared the joy of the beginning of the new school year, too. Of the 30 children who live in the home, 11 are attending classes at the “Spirit of Love” school. They also have tutorial assistance from the staff of the Home, which totals 17 employees. His Beatitude, Archbishop Anastasios has given special consideration for their expenses relating to school.

With God’s blessings, a new school year started in the Metropolis of Gjirokastër. The blessing with Holy Water took place in the school yard of the Ecclesiastical High School “Holy Cross” and was performed by Metropolitan Dimitri with the assistance of Archimandrite Nathaniel and the holy monk Seraphim.

     Others who took part in the ceremony were the Prefect of Gjirokastër, Mr. Spiro Ksera, the principal of local education, Mr. Vasil Muka, the head of Omonia, Mr. Jani Jani and many other distinguished guests from Gjirokastër. There were 62 pupils, their teachers and other guests from the areas surrounding the Metropolis. The delightful voices of kinder gardeners, who had come from the area belonging to the church, filled the atmosphere with joy and anticipation.

     Our church in Gjirokastër opened its third kindergarten facility, in Granicë, because of so many requests by parents in the area. In his welcoming address, His Grace Dimitrios claimed “All this could not have been achieved without the efforts and sacrifices made by our Archbishop Anastasios. He demonstrates his love for the children by providing these facilities and all the material needed for the school.”

     In His Grace’s opinion, “You [the youth] can make our church progress within societies in every corner of the world. You should strive to be first in your classes, in your moral values and in your motivation for your school work. Your attitude should always bring honor to the name of our school.” “Being free to think, makes us enjoy the biggest freedom in our life,” said his Grace.