George looks on as Lydia is anointed by Father Alexi
Serving as Lydia's koumbari! (from George)
Ultimately, we are in Albania to give people the Good News and to try to bring them to Christ. Never does that seem so real as when you are asked to serve as a sponsor for someone who has chosen to be baptized. This is especially true with an adolescent who has eagerly learned all the lessons of her
catechism classes and now has asked you ask to stand with her, in joy, as she starts her journey as a Christian.
My relationship with Lydia and her family was very casual at first. I met her father on the street over 2 years ago. He has a small, outdoor convenience stand on the main street nearest to our apartment building. He sells candy, gum, cigarettes, etc. I would stop and talk to him from time to time, while trying to throw a little business his way.
Eventually I met Lydia and her mom at the Church and started to get to know them. Soon I found out that Lydia had begun her catechism classes in preparation for being baptized. I was very happy and supportive with her father. He asked me to go with him to the church and help him arrange the baptism with the priests, which I gladly did. After we had finished the arrangements, he invited me to come to the baptism on the specified date, August 1st.
I went to the Church on the afternoon of August 1st with the temperature over 100 degrees F. I had volunteered to take pictures and I was wondering how I could discreetly perform my duties as the photographer while I was sweating completely through my shirt (no air conditioning in the Church). Then Father Aleksi asked Lydia who was sponsoring her and I was amazed when she shyly pointed at me. It was a joyous service for us all and I am very happy to part of their spiritual family!
Please pray for Lydia and her family as they struggle to make a living here and as she tries to make good decisions about her life as young Orthodox woman.
Joy all around after the blessed event! (Lydia's parents on the right)
