2007 R.O.E.A. Congress - Vatra Românească

On the weekend of June 28 through July 1, clergy and faithful from across the United States and Canada gathered again at our home, Vatra Românească, as we do every year for the annual Episcopate Congress.  For those who are not familiar with this event, it is more than just administrative meetings.  It is a time for us, family and friends throughout the diocese, to gather together for prayer, fellowship and solidarity within our “Vatra” – a place designated to be a “home” for all Romanian Orthodox faithful since the days of His Grace, Bishop POLICARP.

Among the various organizations and departments of the diocese represented, attendees had the opportunity to view displays and literature about A.R.O.Y., as well as meet with Board members and other young people who were present.  As is the usual practice, President John E. Lazar addressed the Congress assembly about the purposes, goals and accomplishments of A.R.O.Y.  In addition to a package of A.R.O.Y. Newsletters and various other information about the organization, President Lazar encouraged the parishes and missions to help their young people to organize within their communities, citing the positive examples of several newly established A.R.O.Y. chapters including Portland OR, Atlanta GA and Houston TX.  The presentation and materials appeared to be well received by the delegates, many of whom expressed their appreciation and support for A.R.O.Y. and its efforts.

This year’s Congress was hosted by Sts. Constantine & Helen Parish in Lilburn/Atlanta, Georgia.  Not only did they do an excellent job with the meals, but they also treated us through their professional dance and orchestra performances.  People stayed well into Saturday night dancing and enjoying one another’s company.  Many thanks to our friends from Georgia for their kind hospitality!

A special anniversary was observed this year, that being the 20th Anniversary since the falling asleep in the Lord of His Eminence, Archbishop VALERIAN.  It was Archbishop VALERIAN who strongly encouraged the organization and strengthening of the young people of the diocese, wisely seeing their gifts and talents and, more importantly, their desire to use these God-given abilities for the good of the Church.  A.R.O.Y. owes much to this man who, even until his death, remembered and appreciated the efforts of those involved.  A special DVD about the life of Archbishop VALERIAN was shown for the first time at the Congress, in which his work with and love for the youth was mentioned many times.

We look forward to many more years of gathering for the Congress at our “Vatra”...if you have yet to join us, come next year!

Tom Rosco
A.R.O.Y. Delegate

		National A.R.O.Y. President John E. Lazar speaking to the Congress delegates.
		The Memorial Service (Parastas) celebrated in the St. Mary Cemetery for the departed hierarchs, clergy and faithful resting at Vatra Românească.
		"Memory Eternal!"
		His Grace, Bishop IRINEU blesses the grave of His Eminence, Archbishop VALERIAN with holy water.
		The grave of His Eminence, Archbishop VALERIAN.
		Among the many graves in the St. Mary Cemetery are those of early pioneers of the Episcopate, including Rev. Fr. Moise Balea...
		...and V. Rev. Fr. Ioan Trutza.
		The service of blessing the new museum and archives wing of the chancery administration building, made possible through the generosity of Drs. Eleanor and Dn. John Bujea of Regina, Saskatchewan.
		Hundreds of people enjoyed the Saturday night dinner, program & dance.
		After their program, the performers pause for a photo with Bishop IRINEU in front of the A.R.O.Y. Troiţa.