Steve and Theophani Sarigianis leading a young adult discussion
Isaiah’s prophecy, “The people who walk in darkness have seen a great light” (Is. 9:2), rings true in Albania, a country that emerged in 1990 from the darkness of communism and official atheism after almost 50 years. Helping to shine the true Light of Christ are nine OCMC missionaries who work hand-in-hand with the Albanian Orthodox Church, which experienced its own resurrection after the fall of communism. Our missionaries in Albania work and teach at schools of the Archdiocese, including Logos University, a private university of the Church; work in Archdiocesan departments and ministries for communications, youth, young adults, and philanthropy; and are fully integrated in the life of the local Church. The work that they do, together with their Albanian brothers and sisters, and under the direction of the Archbishop and local bishops, helps lead people to Christ just like the Star of Bethlehem.
Anastasia Pamela Barksdale with the children of the Home of Hope
From our longest-tenured OCMC missionary, Dr. Nathan Hoppe, to our newest missionaries, Steve and Theophani Sarigianis, OCMC has assisted in Albania since 1991, when the Archdiocese was reestablished. Recently, all the missionaries and their families gathered to celebrate the American holiday of Thanksgiving together. It was the first time since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic that they were all together, and even several staff from OCMC’s headquarters joined them.
Fr. Stephanos Ritsi teaching a seminary class
