Conference with the Orthodox Clergy Wives of the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania

October 2014

Eighty wives of priests and deacons, of the Archdiocese and three metropolis of the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania, attended the three-day conference, divided into two groups, on the 1st to 3rd and 3rd to 5th October in the Myrrh Bearing Women Skete – New Monastery of St. Vlash, Durrës. The theme of the conference was, “Mary and Martha: Being Servants and Students.”Seven Orthodox women from the United States of America, mainly presbyteras, who were invited by Archbishop Anastasios, spoke on this topic.

The main objectives of the conference were taking the time and opportunity for better communication and information on the role of the presbyteras and deaconesses in the Orthodox setting. Also, the topics: “Healthy Marriage, Healthy Ministry”, “Women in the Church”, “Raising children within the Church”, “Facing Conflicts in a Christian way” were developed and discussed. This meeting was led by Presbytera Renee Ritsi.

Archbishop Anastasios thanked the presbyteras and deaconesses for their contributions to-date and emphasized the important role they have in the Church and in particular that they should keep in mind what they need to do to fulfill their responsibilities.

The meeting contained time for prayer, Services of Matins, Vespers, the Akathyst Hymn, Paraklisis of Theotokos, Divine Liturgy, common psalmody, and even hours of entertainment with traditional songs. In the end, the presbyteras and deaconesses were given several books, among them the book of Archbishop Anastasios, “Spiritual Journey”, which is a valuable help for catechism lessons. All the participants in this meeting expressed their warm appreciation for the opportunity that had been offered by the Church.

The Press Office of the Archdiocese

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