Dr. Jeffrey and Caryn Macdonald live in the village of Shen Vlash in Albania as long-term missionaries. They are both teaching at the Resurrection Orthodox Theological Academy in Shen Vlash, near Durres. The theological academy was established in 1992 to train Albanian clergy and church workers to help restore Church life after the period of communist persecution.

Dr. Macdonald previously taught for many years at St. Herman’s Seminary in Kodiak helping to prepare Native Alaskans to serve in the Church in Alaska. Dr. Macdonald studied at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Seminary, following an undergraduate degree in Biblical Studies and Archaeology at Wheaton College, in Illinois. He later completed a doctoral degree in Early Christian Studies at the Catholic University of America, in Washington, D.C.

The students and faculty of the Resurrection of Christ Seminary in Shen Vlash with Archbishop Anastasios and the graduates at the Seminary graduation Saturday. photo by Dcn. Stephanos.  June 12, 2017

This photo shows the rebuilt monastery of Shen Vlash (St. Blaise, a first century martyr) which was destroyed under communism. Currently these buildings house the Theological Academy, the Home of Hope (orphanage/foster home), the Dormition of the Mother of God church, and Holy Myrrhbearers women’s monastery. June 23, 2013

Sign up NOW for the first Austin Area Pan-Orthodox Youth Chess Tournament. It will be hosted at Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church on Saturday September 30, starting at 10am!  Click the image below to REGISTER!

With Fr. Aidan’s blessing, we had our “Show What You Learned” end of the year tournament today. It was organized for the younger kids of the parish but all students who wanted to participate in the tournament were welcomed to take the challenge. We had two games and a treasure hunt. Kids, teachers, and parents all had a lot of fun celebrating what the children learned.

Special thank you to the teachers Olga Belavusava and Lilia Hidalgo who gave their time and energy in helping to organize this event. Also deep gratitude to the parents (Yulia Melnichuk, Marina Matsiukhova, Anna Kashkina, and Diana) who helped with crafts and food, as well as all the parents who supported the event.

Congratulations to our winners!

Maria Kashkina — 1st place

Evan Matsiukhov — 2nd place

Timothy Matsiukhov — 3rd place

Among the older participants Yaroslav Melnichuk and Michael Aleshin earned honorable mentions!

Congratulations to all our students for their hard work and achievements during this year’s Sunday School.

2017 Show What You Learned Celebration