The Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania successfully concluded its annual summer camps for children and young people, bringing together participants from across the country for weeks of spiritual formation, fellowship, and recreation.
Among the highlights was the Second Summer Camp for Teenage Girls, held from July 20 to 27 at the Monastery of St. John Vladimir in Shijon, Elbasan. Fifty-six girls from various Albanian cities took part in a week filled with prayer, liturgical services, Bible study, catechism, creative workshops, games, excursions, and meetings with hierarchs, clergy, theologians, and guest speakers from Albania and Greece.
The camp was visited by Metropolitan Ioannis of Korçë, who addressed the participants with a spiritual message and planted a cypress tree in the monastery grounds as a lasting memorial of the gathering.
From July 23 to 30, additional camps were organized for boys at the Monastery of St. John the Baptist in Voskopojë and for girls at the Monastery of the Dormition of the Theotokos in Boboshticë, near Korçë.
The programs combined Divine Liturgies, catechetical instruction, sports, recreational activities, and educational visits to historic churches and monasteries, including the churches of Vithkuq, Drenovë, Korçë, Shipskë, and Voskopojë, as well as the Korçë Museum.
Participants also attended liturgical celebrations for the feasts of St. Anna, St. Paraskevi, and St. Panteleimon, the latter celebrated in Tushemisht, Pogradec, where Metropolitan Anastasios of Korçë presided.
By Fr. Ilias Makos
