Albania Blog TWO
Thursday 1st November All Saints Day
Tirana is a city like you see on Eastern Bloc movies, lots of people, chaotic roads, hundreds of police, “dingey” shops interspersed with very high class outlets, loads of folk standing about watching the traffic, and a general air of decay mixed with energetic and frenetic building.
The individuals we have met and spoken to have all been gracious, kind and friendly. Their relaxed approach to life gives way to a deep and earnest approach to the things of God, and their self-mocking view of their nation is matched with a fierce determination that it will do better. It feels similar to the way we Irish love to mock ourselves, but well dare anyone else!
Last night we met a guy who works for the central bank. We’ll call him “Tony” because his name is Tony. (Sorry! That’s that Eastern bloc thingy again!) He is one of those genuine, godly, capable and energetic guys whom God will use to transform this country in the next few years. He has a passion for godliness in government, quality in church life, application to work and warmth in relationships. His outlook was quite inspiring, and I’ll tell you some of what he said in another context.
The morning began with a meeting with Zeph, one of the three guys who translated a new version of the New Testament into Albanian which was published last Monday. Zeph is a multi linguist, a pastor with Altin at the local church we will attend on Sunday next, and is currently doing a Ministry Degree. The principles of translation he outlined for this New Testament were clarity, dignity and beauty. Maintaining clarity involved using words which people could understand. Developing dignity required a careful attention to the sacred source of scripture that nothing of its content would dishonour God. Creating a thing of beauty, in terms of syntax, cadence and style, was appropriate for that which contains the word of life.
Later in the morning we visited an Orthodox Theological College, and the delightful Bishop Nicole, as well as meeting the second of the three translators, a guy called Johan. A very high quality academy was situated a half mile down a muddy track which led directly from the motorway/A1 we have come to know and love. (32 petrol stations in 23 minutes etc) About twenty staff taught about forty students in basic languages, theology and other courses, using the medium of English for reading, Greek for worship and Albanian for teaching. The Church was very special: simple yet fulfilling all that is expected of a church in the Orthodox tradition. Pictures some other time
Lunch was followed by a marvellous rendition of music by the student body, strengthened by about 40 young people from the local high school. A rather lame joke (don’t ask me, ask John D: at least he tried) was followed by an impromptu performance of Crimond and the Lord’s My Shepherd by the five Ulstermen. It was good to be part of that community for those hours.
Another meting awaits us tonight after a short break which I have savagely interrupted by writing a blog, whatever that is.
See you.