Eh!R.O.Y. - Calling All Canadians!
by John Filip, Kitchener A.R.O.Y. President

There is unfortunately a slight misperception of our organization, The American Romanian Orthodox Youth – that is, with regards to the “American” part of the name.  It is by no means an indication that Canadian parishes are not considered on an equal footing.  A.R.O.Y., as well as The Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America, are named as such to indicate that they are on the American continent, not that they solely exist in the United States.  For example, in the past our Episcopate has had parishes in Argentina, making it a truly continental institution.

But the purpose of this article is specifically to make a plea to our Canadian youth: You belong in A.R.O.Y.!  Our strength as an organization is in question when there is only one active Canadian A.R.O.Y. chapter.  Historically, A.R.O.Y. has had chapters in Canada, in particular in Western Canada, which were active and vibrant for many years.  St. George Cathedral in Regina has even hosted the A.R.O.Y. Convention in the past.  As I look today at the list of A.R.O.Y. chapters that are active, I no longer see Regina on that list, or Calgary, or Vancouver, or Winnipeg.  Certainly an argument can be made that it is hard to maintain ties with an organization that has most of its activities in the Great Lakes region.  However, why can’t these parishes organize events within their region, thus making it easier to participate?

We at St. John the Baptist in Kitchener are fortunate to be in the Great Lakes region.  On the other hand, it is unfortunate that we always have to cross a border in order to participate in A.R.O.Y. activities.  Within a 2 hour driving radius, we have a parish in London, Ontario, as well as two in Toronto.  Why can’t we have an Ontario Sports Tournament?  The answer is: no one says we can’t!  Perhaps a day could come where Regina would host an A.R.O.Y. Curling Tournament, and Ottawa could host a Floor Hockey Tournament.  Anything is possible.

Growing up in A.R.O.Y. I would have never dreamed that I would be making this plea, as I was always in a situation of being an unofficial member as my parish did not have an active chapter.  This is no longer the case today.  Although we have been blessed thus far with the successes we have had, we need the brotherhood of our Canadian parishes to make us strong.  I am extending an invitation to any youth who are reading this from Canadian parishes in our Episcopate to consider establishing or reestablishing an A.R.O.Y. chapter in your parish.  Without the youth, there can be no future.

If you would like my advice or support, please feel free to contact me via e-mail at: john.filip@hotmail.com