Cathedral Senior A.R.O.Y. Chapter Reactivated!
by Mihaela Cojocnean, National Board

As part of a larger movement to reorganize and establish senior level chapters, the National Board was pleased to participate in the reactivation of CATHEDRAL SENIOR A.R.O.Y.!

On Saturday evening January 14, young adults from ages 21 to 35, who had been taking part at various services and events at the Cathedral, were invited to the home of Father and Preoteasa Lazar for a social evening of fellowship and an overview about A.R.O.Y.  In all, some 30 people in addition to the Board attended.  Dinner was shared and then all gathered to participate in the traditional service for the blessing of the home.  It was a very moving to hear everyone join their voices together during the singing of the Baptismal Tropar “In Iordan Botezandu-te Tu Doamne”.

Father Laurence and Preoteasa Anita each thanked everyone for coming and expressed hope for the good things that were taking place.  National President John E. Lazar, who coordinated the event along with Deacon Sabin Pop and Alexandru Radulescu, gave a presentation about the history and purposes of the A.R.O.Y.  He then discussed some of the current projects of the National organization and how the local chapters fit into that structure.  Several people asked questions on a variety of subjects.  Father Laurence spoke about the senior chapter that had existed in the parish for many years, how it was one of the strongest and most active and how it was a great benefit to its members and to the parish.

Seeing the eagerness to move ahead with the plan, all agreed to hold elections so that the new officers could begin planning and organizing for the group, and so that the Parish Council and National organization would recognize the chapter as active.  Congratulations to the chapter’s newly elected leaders!

     PRESIDENT: Alexandru Radulescu
     VICE PRESIDENT: Remus Bleahu
     REC. SECRETARY: Bianca Hotea
     COR. SECRETARY: Dana Partioc
     TREASURER: Gheorghe Alion
     AUDITOR: Diana Lungu
     AUDITOR: Dan Lascu
     HISTORIAN: Marilena Albu

It was very interesting to note that of the 30 who attended, only 5 had previous experience with A.R.O.Y.!  The vast majority were more recently arrived from Romania and still very new to the organization and unfamiliar with its history and structure.  This is a trend that is very much dominating our parishes throughout the Episcopate, and yet is something that absolutely must be embraced, welcomed and learned from.  Some speak only English, some speak Romanian as well.  The important thing is that we are all the same, whether we came to this country recently, or a long time ago, and should respect and welcome each other, just like the Cathedral Senior A.R.O.Y. is doing.

Thank you to those who organized this event and help us know that the future of Cathedral A.R.O.Y., both Junior and Senior levels are in good hands!  It is our hope that others in our many parishes take this as an example, no matter how few or many people you may have, and work today to make A.R.O.Y. a reality in your church!  We are happy to help you get started, and promise you will benefit greatly from the experience.

Speaking as one who did not know about A.R.O.Y. before I came to the United States just a few years ago, I am grateful for those priests, parishes and individuals who make the young people feel important and help make us feel that we belong in the Church.