 |
|
| "Living
in
a
multi-sectarian
society
and
at
a
time
when
the
American
melting
pot
concept
was
kept
boiling,
the
leaders
of
the
Episcopate
believed
that
the
future
of
the
Romanian
Orthodox
Church
in
America
could
best
be
secured
by
organizing
its
youth
around
the
Church,
not
only
for
the
purpose
of
maintaining
their
Faith,
but
the
Romanian
language,
culture
and
traditions
as
well." |
|
Traian
Lascu,
The
American
Romanian
Orthodox
Youth
-
A
Short
History,
1974 |
|
|
|
Every
ethnic
group
and
nation
is
proud
of
their
identity
and
promotes
who
they
are
to
those
around
them.
The
members
of
A.R.O.Y.
are
no
different.
The
vast
majority
of
A.R.O.Y.
members
are
of
Romanian
ancestry.
Many
are
born
in
the
United
States
or
Canada,
while
a
growing
number
of
members
have
come
to
North
America
from
Romania.
Some
of
A.R.O.Y.'s
members
are
in
fact
not
Romanian
at
all!
This,
however,
does
not
stop
members
of
our
"family"
from
dancing,
singing
and
learning
about
our
roots.
Regardless
of
place
of
birth
or
ethnic
ancestry,
we
are
all
proud
Romanians
at
heart!
Our
culture
is
visible
through
our
ancient
Orthodox
Christian
Faith.
Our
costumes,
traditions,
foods,
dances,
and
history
all
showcase
our
heritage.
A.R.O.Y.
members
demonstrate
their
pride
in
many
ways
-
through
participation
in
dance
ensembles,
choirs,
various
artistic
media.
language,
etc.
Programs
during
holiday
time
or
other
special
occasions
keep
the
spirit
of
our
ancestors
alive
in
our
hearts
and
minds.
We
believe
that
God
blessed
us
to
be
Romanian
Orthodox
Christians
and
that
we
must
preserve
our
culture
as
we
progress
through
time
so
that
others
can
learn
about
who
we
are
and
the
about
the
unique
presence
we
bring
from
our
homeland
to
the
lands
of
North
America. |
