GOOD DEED: Albanian Church blesses newly-opened center for elderly

A center for the elderly was recently opened under the auspices of the Albanian Orthodox Church on Mach 19, and this past Sunday, on the occasion of the 26th anniversary of the election of His Beatitude Archbishop Anastasios to the Albanian primatial throne, the center was festively blessed by a hierarch of the Church, reports the site of the Albanian Orthodox Church.

The Virgin Mary Family of Love center aims to provide opportunities for the elderly with various financial needs, offering them specialized care either for free or at least at a reduced price. The center currently houses 6 women, with a capacity for 18.

The blessing of waters service was served by His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanail of Amantia. Abp. Anastasios and other members of the Holy Synod were also present at the solemn ceremony, as were the residents of the center, with their family members, donors, and other guests.

The women gave thanks for the opening of a center with such modern facilities.

The opening of centers has long been a desire of Abp. Anastasios, who took over the pastoral care of the Albanian Church 26 years ago.

The Albanian Church also operates several medical clinics throughout the country, including the St. Luke Clinic opened in 1994, with a focus on improving the elements of primary health care to women in rural area, and contributing to their socialization process to cope with their social problems, improving the health education of rural children, and enriching their lives with social and cultural activities, and increasing awareness of young people in order to reduce cases of HIV and drugs and alcohol dependency.

The Church also has a number of social relief efforts, including the “Society of Love” Charity Kitchens, the women’s group “Spreading the Love” that supports and visits person and families in need and the elderly, visits and assistance to those in prison, blood drives, assistance in times of disaster, social, cultural, and educational contributions throughout Albania, and much more.

Source: Albanian Orthodox Church