58th A.R.O.Y. Conference in Review: Remember the Presence of God
by Jessica Precop

“God is with us!”  God CERTAINLY was with us this during the 58th National A.R.O.Y. Conference hosted by the A.R.O.Y. Chapters of St. George Cathedral in Southfield/Detroit, Michigan.  Children, parents, friends, and guests all showed up to the Metro Detroit area the weekend of August 30 to September 2.  From the meetings to activities, and most importantly, during the services, everyone present could feel God’s love.

The weekend started off on Thursday night when the National Board gathered for their pre-conference meeting, in which expectations were set.  The National Board wanted to make the efforts in maintaining a safe, fun, and prayerful weekend, since that is what the Conference is all about.  We expected as a National Board that all who attended the Conference act in their best Christian behavior, and worked to maintain that expectation right from the beginning.  We worked through God’s love to create a positive and faithful weekend, and if you were to ask any of the participants, most would agree that was fulfilled.

On Friday morning the Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Fr. Calinic (Berger), National A.R.O.Y. Spiritual Advisor, assisted by Deacons Sabin Pop (St. George Cathedral, Southfield MI) and Horaţiu Balanean (Sts. Peter & Paul, Dearborn Hts. MI).  After the service, a lunch was served and delegates could check-in and register.  In the afternoon, meetings began with the Invocation of the Holy Spirit led by His Eminence, Archbishop NATHANIEL.  Delegates from cities as far away as Portland OR and Atlanta GA gathered for these meetings.  Guests were also present throughout the weekend, including many local area priests, local parishioners of St. George Cathedral and past National A.R.O.Y. Presidents and members.

After roll call was taken and the Agenda was approved, National President John E. Lazar called the 58th A.R.O.Y. Conference into session.  Various appointments were made, correspondence was reviewed, and then it was time for our first guest, Ms. Christina Stavros.  Ms. Stavros, a member of the National Committee of the Orthodox Christian Fellowship (O.C.F.), joined us Friday afternoon to discuss the O.C.F. as well as encourage us with her experiences being an Orthodox Christian.

The day’s meetings ended and we all sat in the Cathedral courtyard and ate dinner.  After that, it was off to the hotel where we were able to get ready for the evening activity – a boat cruise and dance on the Detroit River.  As we cruised along the water, we witnessed the beautiful Detroit skyline and Canadian shoreline of Windsor.  With limited space available, the delegates, family, and friends present enjoyed the time to socialize and dance together.  Despite the weather being a bit chilly, everyone had a pleasurable and unforgettable boat trip.  Delegates ended the evening excited to see what was to come for the rest of the weekend.

Saturday morning, delegates returned to the Cathedral to resume the meetings.  The keynote address was given by our National Spiritual Advisor, Fr. Calinic (Berger).  Following Fr. Calinic’s words, Committee Reports were presented by the National Board, followed by the discussion of Old Business.  After lunch, delegates participated in a break out session.  The delegation gathered into an “under 18” group and an “over 18” group for discussions led by board members regarding activities of the delegates’ local A.R.O.Y. Chapters, difficulties, questions, feedback, etc.  Following the insightful discussions, two representatives of each group were selected to present the information discussed in their respective groups to the reassembled Conference body.  Members of both groups enjoyed the workshops and were surprised to see that many similarities existed between the two groups.  Despite their difference in age, the good ideas and experiences shared were found to be very useful and well received.

Next was on to New Business, with topics such as the Calendar of Events, new A.R.O.Y. Projects, the unveiling of a plaque dedicated to the past National A.R.O.Y. Presidents which will be displayed at Vatra Românească, etc.  Furthermore, the delegates saw the new St. Nicholas A.R.O.Y. Icon for the first time.  Several years ago, it was felt that we should have an icon of our heavenly patron that distinctly represents our organization.  This year’s Board was finally able to bring this project to fruition thanks to the generosity of a caring donor.  The meetings concluded with His Eminence, Archbishop NATHANIEL presenting the slate of candidates nominated for the 2007-2008 National A.R.O.Y. Board.  A unanimous vote accepted the proposed slate. Congratulations and best wishes are offered to our newly elected President Lisa Nemes (Youngstown A.R.O.Y.), Vice President Maranda Tipa (Cathedral Senior A.R.O.Y.), Secretary Andreea Grigore (S.P.A.R.O.Y.), Treasurer Tom Rosco (Sts. Peter & Paul A.R.O.Y.), Auditors Jessica Precop (Cathedral Junior A.R.O.Y.) and Nicholas Avramaut (Cleveland A.R.O.Y.), Members At Large Alexabdru Radulescu (Cathedral Senior A.R.O.Y.) and Silvana Totan (Cathedral Senior A.R.O.Y.), as well as the appointed members of the new Board.

The meetings were concluded and a delegate group photograph was taken.  Great Vespers and Confessions were the start to what would become an unforgettable evening.  The host committee worked extremely hard to create an “International Night”, focusing on several of the foods and cultures that are found in Metro Detroit.  From Greek to American and from Mexican to Romanian, all who were present were offered a variety of food, all of which tasted amazing!  Varying music provided a fun and social atmosphere.

On Sunday morning, the doors of the cathedral were opened, welcoming hundreds of visitors, delegates and parishioners for the celebration of the Hierarchal Divine Liturgy.  As is customary, the Archbishop was met by the clergy at the doors of the church at the conclusion of the matins service and entered the nave as the faithful sang the hymn to the Birthgiver of God.  The cathedral was filled to capacity, with the responses led in Romanian and English by the Cathedral’s “Archbishop Valerian” Choir, joined by several A.R.O.Y. members.  Those in attendance also watched as His Eminence blessed the new A.R.O.Y. St Nicholas Icon.  At the conclusion of Liturgy, the newly-elected National Board was administered the Oath of Office in the presence of the faithful.

Those in attendance then proceeded into the Cathedral Cultural Center for a fantastic meal at the Grand Banquet.  The hall was crowded with people, both young and old, who made the afternoon one which would be seen as a time to appreciate each other and celebrate the good work of our organization.  During the dinner, various dignitaries offered remarks and guests attentively listened to the address of His Eminence, Archbishop NATHANIEL.  Other highlights included remarks by President John E. Lazar, who also presented the A.R.O.Y./Stanitz Scholarships for 2007 to Frank Persichino and Christine Placinta, both members of St. George Cathedral in Southfield/Detroit, Michigan.

After the conclusion of the banquet, a large group of faithful members crowded together to sing traditional patriotic hymns.  Among those recently deceased friends who came to mind at this time were past Spiritual Advisor V. Rev. Father Constantine Tofan, Past President Cornel Cotosman, and our scholarship donor, Mr. John Stanitz.  I was standing in the circle while songs such as God Bless America and Cu Noi Este Dumnezeu were sung.  At this moment, I felt God’s presence so strongly and knew why our host committee had chosen the theme they did.  I was overwhelmed with tears while singing in this circle, and I knew I was proud to be a Romanian Orthodox Christian.

The weekend was concluded with the beautiful 48th Debutante Ball, having as its theme “Sweet Dreams.”  The crowd was strong as we piled into the hotel Grand Ballroom.  All who attended were able to witness the presentation of ten beautiful debutantes, as well as music provided by the well-known Romanian orchestra, “Transylvania”.  For several hours, delegates, family, friends, and visitors socialized and enjoyed the traditional Romanian and American dances, such as the “hora”, “periniţa” and the “electric slide.”  Many thanks to Debutante Ball Chairs Ana Lazar and Doris Iordache, together with their committee, for such a lovely evening.

As a part of the host committee, I can say first hand that there were a lot of preparations and planning involved.  It took a lot of work and at times was very stressful.  I am lucky to have been able to see what occur to make this possible, therefore, making me appreciate it that much more.  Thanks again to our host parish under the careful guidance of V. Rev. Father Laurence Lazar, Cathedral Dean, our Conference Chairs Kristina Persichino and Maranda Tipa, immediate past National A.R.O.Y. President John E. Lazar, and ALL who helped to make this event possible.

Reflecting back on the conference, I couldn’t have thought of a better fitting theme: God is With Us.  Hopefully as participants said their goodbyes Monday morning, they left with a stronger presence of God within them.  I am confident that when others look back on this special weekend, they will not only be reminded of the memories and the fun, but will remember the presence of God’s love and use it to help others experience God’s love as well.

[CLICK HERE for the 58th A.R.O.Y. Conference photo gallery.]