Vigil of Shen Joan Vladimir of Elbason

(In the skevophyoax with Piskopi Nikolla unwrapping the relics of Shen Joan of cotton
 from the previous year and preparing to rewrap them with cotton for the new year)

June 3, 2014

This is the best experience of my trip so far. This vigil was far more intense than I ever imagined. Going from 9:30 PM to 4:30 AM my soul was so filled. I don't know how I did it but I did thanks to the grace of God and it was beautiful and peaceful and in my soul I cannot explain to you the peace and serenity that I felt. I find that when one tries to explain their spiritual experience it tends to undermine the experience because you cannot fully grasp the full experience or feelings that accrued. It ends up becoming just something that you felt, a mash up of adjectives that is supposed to fully explain that higher-level spirituality that you want everyone to feel because it was Christ and it felt so good. But what you felt is never, ever fully captured by the other person it is only mere words to them. Keeping that in mind, I try not to explain too many details of how I felt rather things I saw and what we did.

(Piskopi Nikolla wrapping the relics of Shen Joan
with new cotton in the skevophyoax)

I grew a great respect for Bishop Nikolla Hyka this night. Everything that he did when we were in the skevophyoax (room with the relics) not only could you feel the presence of the relics and be in all of what you are actually witnessing because it doesn't happen everyday, but you could see the joy glittering in his eyes and the glow of the Holy Spirit filled his soul and the space around him. He went out of his way for us that we would feel the same joy and love the Shen Joan. There was a connection between the Holy Spirit and I that I will not be able to explain any further than it caught me completely off guard and opened my heart fully and unguarded to Bishop Nikolla. I think that was the moment when I fell in love with not only the saints of Albania but all of Albania more than I ever thought I could. That was the moment when I realized this man is more than what we perceived him to be. This man was filled with something that I wanted to know because it made me love. My respect for Bishop Nikolla grew that night in a way that I cannot explain, almost in the same way that the Grinch's heart grew three sizes that day according to Dr. Seuss, except different because Bishop Nikolla was not an old grouch and neither was I.

(Piskopi Nikolla [front left] re wrapping the relics of Shen Joan with
Aht Luka [back middle] in the skevophyoax)

As I sat with Ana Baba with my head on my shoulder she told me it was the first time that they have ever had a service like this. Chanting and praying side by side in English and Albanian. As I listen to the hymns, the volume of the Spirit in the chanting grows into the only thing in the room filling the sky and fill the church. To be quite frank I haven't felt so at peace and spiritually calm since I was praying in the the dorm chapel last year at Hellenic College Holy Cross with a person whom I love very dearly. The feeling that you get when the Holy Spirit fills you and becomes clear in everything around you is something something that you cannot just explain in your words. I only pray that one day I will reach a state where I can experience it everyday.

This experience, as of now, is the most amazing experience I've had this entire trip. Now I know why God wanted me to be here. I made new friends with two different Saints. I never thought that any of this would be possible. To reach such a state that you give yourself up to Christ. That is a state you should be in every day. Willing to sacrifice and give away everything to the one who is called Christ. The love that I found for a new found saints like Shen Vlash and also Shen Joan I pray one day will present itself in my husband one day, where ever and whoever he may be.

(Piskopi Nikolla wrapping the relics of Shen Joan with new cotton)

This vigil of St. Joan Vladimir as beautiful as it was, is very hard to share and describe because this once in a lifetime experience became personal. Just like with the person you love even with Christ you have a personal relationship them. With the Saints the same thing. Even if I could explain it to you, how I felt and have you feel that feeling, it's part of me in my heart. I feel very grateful very thankful that Aht Luka put me on the list for Albania, today more than ever. Although I wish we had told the Home of Hope we were going to be out until 4 AM so we weren't locked out....these couches in the seminary lounge are very comfortable but there is nothing like getting under the covers with a pillow after a long vigil.

Lynette's Hope

(Grave of Lynette Hoppe surrounded by rose bushes)

June 2, 2014 

I got to visit Lynette today. What a beautiful experience. Someone who I had a relationship with through a book. Now she's here. I am with her husband and we are all together in  fellowship honoring her memory. It fascinates me how you can read a book about someones life and accomplishments and in a sense, form a relationship with them even though you never met them. Its what happens when I read about the saints. There essence and personality is in their writing. It's kind of how I feel with Lynette. Never met her and I could never meet her but yet I feel as if I have through the journals and things that she left behind in her book. 

(Back of Lynette's gravestone
Resurrection mosaic) 

(Front of Lynette's gravestone
Saint Katherine mosaic) 

The tombstone had a  beautiful mosaic of the resurrection one side and on the other side on top of her name mosaic of St. Katherine. We had a little memorial service right there at her grave site. Her grave was at the end of the cemetery next to a valley of long grass and flowers overlooking whole bunch of farms in the city of Shen Vlash. It is quite incredible to think how such a beautiful young person could have such a huge impact on the country.

When most people think of death "the end" is what comes to mind. Throughout history you always see people not wanting to die wanting to find that the immortality people were so craving. Through the desire of not coming to death, not coming to the end, people created fictional stories and myths like the Fountain of Youth. But here just like Christ, victory through death in glorious resurrection Lynette laid her hopes. She was able to bring that strength and mentality of  victory over death to the Albanian people to peace with the reality of her death.

Standing at her grave I realized that it doesn't matter what you do, what you wear and where you buy your clothes. What matters is how you choose to live. How you decide to live your life through Christ and how you plan to accept everything He decides for you. Even death.  How you practice what you preach is what is important. 

Lynette didn't have to preach anything because she was living the example. She was living the example of a life dedicated to Christ's will even unto her death which wasn't actually death but rather beginning to eternal life. You have to begin with the end. You must die first so that Christ can live through you. Only then can you have life and live.

I strive to do that and I thank her in my prayers for the example. I thank Christ for showing me such an example of someone who is not a canonized saint but is seen as a saint in the eyes of those who knew and love her. Thank you Lynette for being the prime example of God's will and living a life of Christ. Thank you also for you beautiful husband Nathan Hoppe who's able to teach me so much of what it truly means to be a missionary. One day I hope I can see you and embrace you in eternal life. Thank you. Memory eternal.

**Also  don't forget to buy the book: "Lynette's Hope" compiled and edited by Father Luke Veronis, to learn more about Lynette's story and journey

Through the Cross, JOY!!

(View of the dome of the Resurrection Cathedral from the bell tower)

June 1, 2014

(The Consecration of the Cathedral) 

2.000 people flooding into the church. 2,000 people receiving Christ at communion. 2,000 people witnessed the consecration of the Resurrection Cathedral, the third largest Orthodox church in Europe People didn't stop flooding into the church until after the gospel. LAUDI ZOTIT! GLORY TO GOD!

Thank God for Disney because my crowd skills were just what I needed to weave myself through the masses. I saw a priest who kept getting pushed by the people behind him. I stopped smiled at him, "Glory be to God for all the people," I said to him. He was going to respond but an umbrella opened next to him and a man started to speak to him in Albanian. Then I felt it on my skin. Rain. 2,000 people were trying to follow Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Archbishop Anastasios and other religious patriarchs and leaders into the church and it was starting to rain. 

I remember grabbing Fiona's hand telling her to hold on and not to let go. That is when I started making through the crowd and up to the second floor balcony of the Cathedral. We had the best seats. We could see everyone and everything inside and outside the chapel. The service was long and the people in the church made it feel like a sauna. I sat and soaked in this chaotically beautiful, once in a lifetime experience. As the chanters sang, I watched the liturgy continue and played a little game of 'Where is Waldo' to find the rest of the Hellenic College Holy Cross crew. Aside from the fact that a couple thousand people were there, it was hard to keep track of everyone because Orthros was done in the Nativity Chapel like the vespers was done yesterday. This experience was even more special because the senior trip participants from our school in Boston were also here. How great is this! Being able to share this joy with them and with our new friends in Albania! 

(Consecration of the Cathedral)

The liturgy was long but it went by faster than I thought it would have. The consecration was full of commotion and in a way stressful. There was really no time for rest the entire day. Even after the liturgy when we had lunch and walked in the park with Ana Baba we were on a schedule so we could make it back in time for the "festival" which was a show in honor of the Ecumenical Patriarch, Archbishop Anastasios and of coarse the consecration. At the festival we sat in the front row and watched as everyone performed. My favorite was of coarse the dance from the Home of Hope Children. I felt like a mother. I was so proud of them all! They did such an amazing job. I got to catch up with the my buddy the Ecumenical Patriarch after the event. Then I also saw Archbishop Anastasios and when I introduced my self he laughed and said "I know you!" then he gave me a blessing.

It is funny that after this entire day has unraveled I am so drained that I am at a loss for words on how to describe multitude of this event. Everything is mostly a blur like I said it felt like everything went so fast. I think the pictures I took today speak for themselves though, this really was a magnificent resurrection!! 

(Archbishop Anastasios,
 welcoming and greeting Albanian government officials)

(Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I  and I catching up
after the consecration celebration show)

(Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I  and I laughing after the consecration celebration show)

(Archbishop Anastasios after
Khristi Unjal [Chist is Risen] is sung)

(Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I blessing the laity
during the consecration)

(view of the dome inside the Cathedral
 from the second floor right side balcony)

(Thousands of people trying to flood into the Cathedral)

(The consecration of the Cathedral)

(The Byzantine Choir lead by Theodhor Peci
 at the consecration of the Cathedral)

(Consecration of the Cathedral)

(The beginning of Liturgy)

(Panoramic View from the second floor right side balcony...people still flooding into the church)

(Visiting a church in the middle of the park)

(Lunch time with good friend Jorgjia Metellari [left]
 from the Student Center,
Fiona [right] and I )

A Day in Tirana

May 31, 2014

This morning started with a funny turn of events. Fiona and I were attacked by children from the Home of Hope! It was such a beautiful gesture. They hugged us and the little ones even kissed us in excitement.They asked us when we were going to the beach with them and when we were having a pizza party. We hugged them back and told them the beach would have to be after the consecration of the Cathedral. Breakfast was at 8:00 today but by the time we were done talking with the precious lambs it was 8:15.

(Demetri and I inside a random historical column in Tirana)

Fiona and I didn't want to go late to breakfast and be rude especially since we have a tradition now of sitting at the head table. So instead we walked around the Shen Vlash Academy building looking at all of the photos hanging on the walls. After a while we bumped into some of the seminarians there who didn't like our reasoning for not being at breakfast. They brought us to the dining hall and we realized that no one was in there! So Fiona and I went to find Aht Luka. We walked to the van. Nobody. We went to the church. Nobody. Finally we went by the stumps and we saw Alex Karcher (or Alex #1) and Demetri Constantine. We asked about Aht Luka. He was sleeping. Fiona and I looked at each other and laughed. Aht Luka sleeping! We could have had breakfast after all. The rest of the group joined us and when Aht Luka was ready and we gathered around the stumps and had our morning prayers with a meditation after headed by Fellowship member Khader. 

We decided to get some breakfast in the city today. We got berak which is basically like Greek spanakopita or Spinach Pie except the filo dough is thicker and doesn't flake. As delicious as the food was this berak trip was also the hardest part of the trip so far. As we pilled out the van and ordered our food we had our first encounter with the gypsy community of Albania. Young children that couldn't have been older than my sister (who is 6) were tapping us, pulling on our shirts, and kissing our hands, clothes, arms anything they could grab begging for money. Not quite sure how to respond I just hugged the little boy who was asking me for things I did not have and smiled at him. I stroked the top of his head and looked at Aht Luka. He explained to us that this was one of the struggles of missions. 

I got my food but since I still had a child connected to my hip, I couldn't bring myself to start eating. Then I felt a tap on my shoulder and looked behind me. A young mother holding her baby begging. I said "me fal" which means I am sorry in Albanian and pointed to Aht Luka who was buying the gypsy children food and water. There were about 7 all together. Two mothers with newborns in their arms and 3 little kids. One by one going to each of us in hopes for money. The little boy was still by my side. I tried to direct him to Aht Luka but he was more interested in money than food. Finally with a little help from Alex Limberatos (Alex #2) we got through to him. Only when we got into the van did I start to eat and try to shake the feeling I had for the children who had to live a life of begging. Where was the love? I did my cross and prayed for an answer.

(Outside the museum with Metropolitan Jonah of Ugana [right] and
Most Reverend Nikon
Archbishop of Boston, New England & the Albanian Archdiocese OCA [middle])

Tirana was our destination for today. Our first stop the museum! Once again, Aht Luka had the best timing and as we were entering the museum, Metropolitan Jonah of Uganda and the Most Reverend Nikon Archbishop of Boston, New England and the Albanian Archdiocese  for the OCA were leaving. What are the chances!! Then we were met by our friends from the Student Center. What better way to learn the history of Albania while forming relationships with some of the university students from the Student Center? But best of all a day with Ana Baba!
My precious, precious Ana Baba! I cannot contain nor do I think it would be fair not to share a few thoughts on my dear friend and sister Ana Baba.  What a beautiful woman. My friend before I ever reached Albania. It's funny to think how the Missions Institute at Hellenic College brought two people together from opposite ends of the world, and through Facebook were able to stay in touch for two years! The benefits of such an amazing school centered in CHRIST!

(Fiona [left], Ingrid [middle] and I in Tirana)

How can I begin to describe Ana Baba? Selfless and full of love, of joy, of fun, of happiness. So full of Christ. The fellowship and I decided today to write her an apolitikion! Spending the day with Anna Baba is a blessing for me because not only did my friendship and respect for her grow but she also found a place in my heart through her selflessness. I remember getting the Facebook message from her about how she decided to support my trip here to Albania. Although Ana Baba lives in Albania, she was on sabbatical in America and didn't think she would be back in Albania to see us. She wrote to me saying how unfortunately she would not be in Albania with me but the money she sent me would have her spirit with me there. Then, fast forwarding to my first day of class of the practicum with Father Luke. The printers were not working and there was our first paper due. Fiona and I were frantically trying to assess our odds on how we could get this printed. We headed to Aht Luka's office and  when the door opened, who else would be there but Ana Baba herself. Having only met her briefly during missions week my freshman year, seeing her now after 2 years not through a computer screen on Facebook was joyous! We looked at each other as if we known each other for years and started embracing each other with hearty hugs. Father Luke looked at the scene unraveling in his office startled. He asked if we knew each other and we both exclaimed "yes!!" Glory to God for such things!! 

(Demetri [red shirt], Alex #1 [left- plaid shirt] and I [ the head behind the column]
 during the Concentration Vespers at the Chapel of the Nativity
**Photos courtesy of Emil Polygeni
http://www.romfea.gr/ektakta-nea-2/24653-2014-05-31-17-06-48) 

She became my dear friend that day. She taught me some Albanian during meals. She spoke to me about Christ. She taught me dedication. She showed me her country, let me into her heart, opened up to me without really ever knowing me. That is the sign of true agapi. True Christ like love that you are supposed to have for all of mankind. That love is the love Ana Baba possesses and shows to the world.

With Ana Baba and her students we grabbed lunch at a pizzeria and Ana had Khader and I share some stories about ourselves and our experiences with Christ and his Saints. After pizza we toured the city and went bowling. We had to be back at the Cathedral for the consecration vespers, so all full of laughter we headed back. Once back we waited for Aht Luka who departed from us after the museum. While waiting, they showed us what they used to teach Sunday school. Ingrida Bida, one of our new friends from the Student Center, showed me the books, and all the interactive sheets they hand out the kids. 

(Byzantine choir lead by Theodhor Peci
chanting during the Concentration Vespers at the Chapel of the Nativity
**Photos courtesy of Emil Polygeni
http://www.romfea.gr/ektakta-nea-2/24653-2014-05-31-17- 06-48) 

Aht Luka arrived and we headed for the chapel of the Nativity. When we got there the service was already started. It was officiated by His Grace Bishop Nathaniel Mr Amadou and in attendance symprodefchomenos Archbishop of Cyprus Chrysosotomos and Bishop Philomelion Elias. The Byzantine choir was chanting and it was so warm and glorious. I have a respect for those studying the byzantine arts such as music and Iconography. I squeezed my way into the chapel as I followed Demetri and Alex #1 to right side of the church right behind the bishops chair and next to the Byzantine choir. I realized shortly after receiving a few perplexed looks from various men that I was on the men side of the chapel but there would be no way I was moving. I had an amazing spot. I chanted in chorus with the byzantine choir from my spot the things I heard and knew in Albanian as well as whatever Greek was sung. Then as the service concluded I tried not to get squashed by the floods of Greeks and Albanians chasing after the Bishops and Archbishops for a blessing. I got to talk to Bishop Ilia Katre who is a family friend of my father. It was a good feeling to see familiar faces in Albania. After the service I also met Theodhor Peci, the leader of the Byzantine Choir. What a sweet, talented man! But soon we were back in the van ready to conclude yet another day while preparing for the biggest event in Albania and our mission trip... The Consecration! 

(Demetri [red shirt], and Khader [white polo and beard]
 during the Concentration Vespers at the Chapel of the Nativity
**Photos courtesy of Emil Polygeni
http://www.romfea.gr/ektakta-nea-2/24653-2014-05-31-17-06-48)

(Demetri [red shirt], Alex #1 [left- plaid shirt] and I [ the head behind the column]
 during the Concentration Vespers at the Chapel of the Nativity
**Photos courtesy of Emil Polygeni
http://www.romfea.gr/ektakta-nea-2/24653-2014-05-31-17-06-48)

(The Fellowship outside the museum with friends from the Student Center)

(The Fellowship and friends from the student center going for pizza!!)

Bible Study and Futbol

May 30, 2014

The chimes of my alarm ring through the room at 6:45am. Fiona and I rustle around on our bunks just wanting an extra 15 minutes of sleep...I doze off and then again the alarm rings in the air. 7:00am. I force my legs to move and my eyes to open. I laugh at myself. It should not be this hard to wake up at 7. I remember the 6 hour time difference and my lost hours of sleep. I push those thoughts to the back of my mind. Forget about all of that and allow your mind to trick your body into alertness. That mentality worked until I sat down in the van. On the way to the Student Center in Tirana my eyelids felt so heavy and my sweatshirt was so cozy. I could rest my eyes for just 5 minutes....

(Demetri Constantine [far left], Alex Limberatos [middle], Alex Karcher [far right]
and I waiting for Aht Luka at the Student Center)

When my eyes open next I am at the center. Looks like the usual five minutes turned into the whole ride. The Fellowship heads into the building to have breakfast with Ana Baba, and the heads of the Student Center. Aht Luka comes in about 15 minutes after we do with Nathan. You could see the reunion with his friends the night before hindered his sleep. His eyes like ours were glossy with tiredness. He saw us all with the same tired faces and laughed. Slowly the heads of the student center slowly flooded into the room.

Breakfast was a very simple yet ample. There was toast, butter, jelly, tomatoes, cucumbers, cherries, bananas, and my favorite Nutella. They had a variety of juices and water. I looked at the display and my stomach responded with a growl of approval. We sang Christ is Risen then started to eat. Nutella on toast with cherries and water. That is my kind of breakfast!

(Sign outside the student center that reads:
Student Center of the Orthodox Church)

After finishing breakfast we all rested as we prepared for our Bible study. My friend Demetri Constantine reached to grab the water and Nathans wife Gabriela grabbed it from him suddenly alarmed. "No, wait Demetri. You need bottled water. If any of you guys drink this water you will get sick!" I looked down at my empty cup...well, I thought to myself, it was only four cups you will be fine. Gabriela brought us all bottled water. "Our water is not bad but it is not as filtered as yours in the States. Our bodies are used to it but you all aren't." I prayed to myself begging God not to let me get ill and  slowly put the cup on the table as if I was holding evidence to a crime. Then we started to read 2nd Peter 1:3-11.We read it first in Albanian than in English. Ana Baba sat next to Aht Luka and translated all that he said into Albanian. Though he is fluent in the language he wanted us to understand so he spoke English since it is his native tongue. We talked verse by verse explaining what each meant. We focused most of our time though on 2nd Peter 1:8. 

"For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye  shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." 

We talked about the cursed fruit tree that bore no fruit and how God has given us everything that is necessary, every thing that we need, at our disposal. God gives us freedom  but He also gives us everything we need. God gives us the gifts He is promising: eternal life, love, He is with us, salvation, the Holy Spirit and life! These promises are for not only this life but the next and as humans we forget these promises. We know them but we forget. We discussed how our society has gotten too content and in turn we have decided that we can stop growing but the beauty of Orthodoxy is that we can never truly say we have arrived or have learned everything we need to learn because God is infinite. We have to strive everyday and instill in ourselves a desire to grow! This strive makes life fun, interesting, it is an adventure.

As I take notes, I watch how Aht Luka teaches. I imagine Christ while he was teaching the apostles was a combination of Aht Luka and my spiritual father, Father Christodoulos Papadeas. They both together encompass love, wisdom, compassion and understanding. Both are missionaries and both have a dear place in my heart. I know I have a lot I still need to learn from both of them. They both have told me that a missionary is not here to preach rather they are here to learn. God does not need a lawyer. 

(The Fellowship in the Chapel at Holy Cross High School in Sukth)

After Bible study we headed to the all boy Holy Cross High School in Sukth for lunch and a game of futball (soccer). The school was beautiful and in a way it held a special place in our hearts because we too go to a school of the Holy Cross. The school was beautiful. The property had one building that included the chapel, classrooms, cafeteria and dorms. Everyone lived and learned there together. We all collected in the chapel and the boys chanted a few songs in Albanian. We then in turn sang Save O Lord in English, all together in Greek and then the Holy Cross boys sang it in Albanian. After we collected for lunch it was time for some futbol. 

Futbol. The one sport I love but am not so good at. We played in a grassy field that was in what could easily be described as ditch but even that description is flawed. I was the only girl who played. The people who weren't playing stood on the higher ground. The game was the Americans against some of the Albanians but not even half way through the game we had to mix up the teams. Let's just say the Albanians were playing on easy mode and we were still struggling. Throughout the game I tried my hardest and every once and a while I got a good kick. Thank you 13 years of karate for strong legs and kicks!! The most memorable part of the game was during the most intense part. We were trying to stop the other team from getting the ball. I see him going for a kick. I tried to get the ball. BAM. The ball hit me square in the face. My eyes teared. I looked up and saw the boys face go white. I laughed to myself, if only they knew that I have been hit in the face much harder during karate. I gave him a smile and ran after the ball continuing the game. 

(Khader Baramky [back row], Demetri Constantine [middle row],
Fiona Sterling [front left] and I on the way to see
 Father Martin Ritsi after the Holy Cross futbol game)

After futbol, we headed back to Tirana to meet with Father Martin Ritsi. I was so excited! Finally, after hearing about him, meeting his son Stephanos and being in conversation with his wife at the OCMC headquarters, I met him. We were all sweaty and with the remnants of a long futball game on our clothes. Sitting in Alexandra and Dn. Stephanos's apartment we listened to Father Ritsi while snacking on wafers. After about an hour we headed back to Shen Vlash to meet the Patriarch of Jerusalem. 

When we got to Shen Vlash, the Patriarch was already there taking pictures. The Fellowship exchanged glances and laughed at how Aht Lukas timing is always so impeccable! We were all still in jeans and smelled of futball. As the boys left the van, Fiona and I frantically rolled up our jeans and put our skirts on top making ourselves as presentable as we could in the 2 minutes we had walking to where the Patriarch was. We all stood together separate from the seminarians and the Home of Hope children. After meeting with the Patriarch who knew one of our companions Khader Baramky (who is from Jerusalem) very well. We spoke with him for a bit about who we were and why we were in Albania. Then the Patriarch of Jerusalem departed from Shen Vlash and we all went to dinner tired in need of a shower and a good nights rest.

( Holy Cross High School building entrance)

(The students from Holy Cross High School chanting for us)

(The Fellowship with some of the boys and the principle of
Holy Cross High School)

( Holy Cross futbol game)

( Holy Cross futbol game)

The First Day...

May 29, 2014

(Looking between the trees at the city of Shen Vlash from the highest point at the Shen Vlash Monastery and Resurrection of Christ's Theological Seminary/Academy with friends Niko Birbilis [middle] and Alex Limberatos [right])

7:40 AM liturgy with the Shen Vlash seminarians and academy students. Women on the left, men on the right... The service was held in the chapel of the classroom building. It reminded me of the little chapel we have at the HCHC dorms except bigger and actually being functional to hold a liturgy. Once again the liturgy was done in the Albanian language but this time the choir alternated some of the petitions in English, Greek, and even Russian.

The nicest thing was seeing how spiritual the students were. It was a comfort for me. Feeling the love in the liturgy. Too many times in America you walk into parishes that don't know you and they feel cold and unwelcoming. Not here. They don't know you and you feel welcome. It feels like a liturgy at my home parish Saints Raphael, Nicholas and Irene in Palm Harbor, Florida. Small, but spiritually filled with warmth and light.

 After liturgy we had lunch with the seminarians. Once again the women were on the right, men on the left and at the head table was Piskopi (the word for Bishop in Albanian) Nikolla, Aht Luka and the other heads of Shen Vlash. Fiona and I sat at the head table for the second day in a row. 

(Head table with the icon of the Holy Trinity, at Shen Vlash)

Humbled, uncomfortable, out of place and uneasy. That is what the head table felt like. I reminisce on the first time we sat there...  Aht Luka looked at Fiona and I as we tried to eat politely and keep minimal conversation to ourselves. Partially because we couldn't speak Albanian and partially because we didn't know what to say. Aht Luka leaned forward and asked, "Have either of you ever eaten at a monastery before?" Fiona shook her head no, as I shook mine yes. Aht Luka laughed his unique, through the teeth exhale laugh and smiled, "Well if you ever were to eat at a monastery you would know that they eat fast." Fiona and I looked at everyone else at the head table practically done with their meals. We nodded in understanding and did just what we were supposed to. We ate fast.

(Fiona and I preparing for mediation and enjoying a Kodak moment at the stumps) 

After breakfast, we (the Fellowship) collected to discuss our day and meditation outside the Monastery and chapel of Shen Vlash. We stood by the stumps in the ground and Aht Luka told us that we would individually need to prepare meditations on things we learned here in Albania throughout the week. Fiona and I exchanged glances of relief when we realized that being the youngest we would go last. Then it was to our chariot driver and to the capital of Albania...Tirana!

(Fiona Sterling and I in the chariot on the way 

to the Resurrection Cathedral of Tirana)

Tirana. A beautiful city, full of culture, full of life and it is the home to the third largest ecclesiastical epicenter in Europe for Orthodox Christians. The Resurrection Cathedral was opened after eight years of construction back in June 2012 but this year would be the consecration of this beautifully massive symbol. The Cathedral embodies all of Archbishop Anastasios's missionary works in Albania from the meanings behind the tiny details of the church down to the name of the Cathedral being Resurrection. It was built to replace one that was demolished by Communists back in 1967.

(Bell Tower outside the Cathedral)

On the premises of the Cathedral there is a bell tower  that stands tall and like the four candles that form it, the bell tower is a beacon seen all around the city as if to say "Come and See! Receive the undying light of Christ!" There is also a beautiful small chapel to the left of the Cathedral. When we entered the chapel we noticed the iconography was still being done. It was unlike anything I had ever seen. In a sepia color was the history of Albania, and in pastel colors the iconography of the Saints, Christ and Panagia. I have never seen a chapel done so uniquely.

After getting our fill of the chapel we continued to the Cathedral. Everyone inside was preparing for the consecration to come in a few days. The Cathedral was much more spacious on the inside than one would think looking at it from the outside. We sang Christ is Risen and then we exited the Cathedral and went around to the building behind the Cathedral.

We met Mrs. Garentina (Nina) Gramo from the Diakonia Agape. The Diakonia Agape works to express Gods love for humanity. They have a vision of "Love that makes a difference." The Diakonia Agape operates as a social office that implements educational programs for rural areas irregardless of religion in fields of health, education and relief efforts. 

(At the top of the Bell Tower)

One of the most terrifying experiences was to come next. We visited the gift shop then we went to the top of the bell tower. We climbed up the spiral metal staircase that seemed to go on forever. We all laughed as the experience of the Fellowship began to feel like something that came from a J.R. Tolkien novel. The staircase was firm but shook and the entire place echoed. Once we reached the top there was a ladder we had to climb to get there. The veiw was beautiful but terrifying I held onto the rail for dear life. I never experienced a fear of heights until then. We marvelled at the massive miracle below us. The Cathedral was still large from this veiw! Then we decided to venture back down. Father Luke went back first. I quickly followed behind. During our desent we sang the Triparion of our school Hellenic College Holy Cross. The Triparion of the Cross. Save O Lord. It vibrated throughout the entire tower, as if God sent his angelic hosts to assist us in song. I imagined that is what the army of God would sound like. Beautiful, vibrating chant that would bring all to Christ. All to the truth. All to love. 

(The Fellowship enjoying lunch at the Hoppe's)

After the bell tower, we went for lunch with Deacon Stephanos Ritsi, Alexandra Ritsi, and Nathan Hoppe and his family. Nathan is the husband of the departed Lynette (Katherine) Hoppe. Lynette and her husband served as missionaries for a majority of their lives. First in Africa then Albania under Archbishop Anastasios. Lynette was active as a coordinator of projects that helped orphans, disabled, and poor children. She directed camps with Aht Lukas wife Faith. Then Lynette found out she had stage 4 cancer. Aht Luka told us about her story and how God called the Hoppe family to offer a unique and unforgettable type of witness in the form of  her death. Aht Luka helped to collect all of Lynettes journals and thoughts on her journey with Christ in her book "Lynette's Hope: The Witness of Lynette Katherine Hoppe's Life and Death". I encourage anyone who hasnt read it to buy it. It brings a new meaning to "the valley of the shadow of death." Nathan Hoppe is now remarried to Gabriela and they continue to do missionary work together in Albania. 

We then pressed on to the Student City. We were greeted by the familiar faces of those students who welcomed us at the airport. We were also greeted by new faces that were just as eager to welcome us. We sat in one of the rooms with Aht Luka, Nathan and the Ritsi's and we heard some stories of how some of the students here found out about the student center and how they decided to be Orthodox. Then we joined the students in volleyball. After about an hour I started to hear Albanian music coming from the room behind me and my dancing bone started to itch.

(Albanian Dancing at the Student Center in Tirana)

I entered the little room and joined in learning the Albanian dances that were similar to Greek 
dances. My pal Niko Birbilis and I left volleyball and didnt look back. Dance after dance we bonded with the students. We even got to teach them a few Greek dances and Arabic dabke dances. We only took a break for a nice pizza dinner. As the night pressed on we were swepped into the night with Albanian culture on our side. We even learned the Penguin dance which is the equvalent to the Chicken Dance here in the states. By the time we left it was around 9:30pm and we were all exhaused. Aht Luka was spending the night at Nathans house to catch up on lost time and we the Fellowship were on our own back to Shen Vlash! 

(Our  White "Chariot")

(Aht Luka in the Chariot on the way to the Resurrection Cathedral of Tirana)

(Entering the Cathedral of the Resurrection)

(Praying with the Fellowship in the Cathedral of the Resurrection) 

(Inside the Cathedral on the second floor)

(The Fellowship with Mrs. Garentina (Nina) Gramo [in the blue dress] from the Diakonia Agape)

(Top of the bell tower with Aht Luka [left]  and Fiona Sterling [right])

(Teaching Greek dance with Niko Birbilis at the Student Center of Tirana)