Academic Degrees Handed Out in the Theological Academy – Albania

Albanian Orthodox Church– June 2016

On June 7 at Resurrection of Christ Theological Academy in the New Monastery of St. Vlash in Durres, degrees were handed out to graduating students during the traditional graduation ceremony. The day started with the Divine Liturgy celebrated in the church of the Holy Monastery of St. Vlash and then the participants moved to the conference room, located in the Holy Myrrh-bearers Skete.

The joyous ceremony was attended by His Beatitude Anastasios, Archbishop of Tirana, Durres and All Albania, His Eminence Nikolla Hyka, Metropolitan of Apollonia and Fier, and also Commanded Director of the Academy, His Eminence Andon, Metropolitan of Elbasan, Shpati and Librazhdi, His Eminence Nathaniel, Metropolitan of Amantia, His Eminence Asti, Bishop of Bylis, Protopresbyter Father Jani Trebicka, as well as clergy, professors, students, and family members of the graduating students.

The opening greeting speech was held by His Eminence Nikolla, the Commanded Director of the Academy. Then, two valedictorian students, Ms. Kostandina Dusha and Ms. Albana Gjeçi delievered their greeting speeches on the occasion.

At the end, the graduated students were welcomed and congratulated by His Beatitude Anastasios who also handed out the degrees to them.

Also the program of the ceremony included chants and hymns performed by the Byzantine choir of the Academy. A lunch followed afterwards within a welcoming atmosphere during which chants were sung and greetings were held.

At the end of the day, the graduates left with lots of congratulations and wishes received by their peers, professors and all those who were present at their graduation.

Translated by: Juljana Kodheli

Source: