By Fr. Elias Makos*
Nine children (eight boys and one girl), who participated in a camp organized by the Orthodox Church of Albania at the Monastery of the Annunciation of the Theotokos on the island of Zvërnec, have entered the life and light of Christ.
The baptism took place in the Narta Lagoon, which at that moment resembled a vast sanctified font. The ceremony was conducted by Metropolitan Nikolaos of Apollonia and Fier.
This event is a testament to the beneficial and enlightened presence of Archbishop Anastasios of Albania. The three significant words—Christ, light, life—symbolize the rebirth of these children into their new reality.
Assisted by a priest and two deacons, Metropolitan Nikolaos performed the baptisms. The nine children felt the “divine lightning” of the Holy Spirit penetrating them as they stood in the waters of the lagoon, marking the beginning of a profound inner journey that entails the constant cleansing of the senses.
These young individuals are now Orthodox Christians. What does this mean? With honest and sincere hearts, they will strive steadily to build a conscious relationship with Christ within the Church, humbly following His will.
*This article is a translation of part of Fr. Elias Makos’ original piece / Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
