Through the Heart of a Teenager
by Bianca Rebrişorean

Since September of 2003, when I came to the U.S., I have built very strong relationships with other Romanian Orthodox youth thanks to the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate in America.  The church brought us together many times for prayer, fun and fellowship.  For example, I can hardly wait for the summer Vatra camps, retreats, sports tournaments, conventions, etc.  I can say that the church is very dear to my soul.

Unfortunately, I don't have very close relationships with the other Orthodox youth from my area.  I wish I could interact more with them, regardless of our ethnic differences because we share the same faith.  I hope that in the future the Orthodox churches in my valley will come closer.

One thing that bothers me the most is not having relationships with ALL the Romanian Orthodox youth in the U.S.  I can't believe that the church cannot unite under its wings all the Romanian Orthodox youth.  I know that like in a family, problems occur, but with love, understanding and God's grace, eventually we will solve the problems.  I know we can.  There must be a way.

I'm a good friend with many American teens, but when I am together with my fellow Romanian Orthodox friends, I feel like I am at home.  I have stronger bonds with them, bonds given by my Orthodox faith and Romanian heritage.

I know that there is a separation of the Romanian Orthodox people in America, but I don't understand why.  What conflicts and problems can be stronger than our faith and heritage?  I think that we should forget, or do our best to put aside and forgive the problems of the past and behave like brothers and sisters of the same faith, whether born in the U.S. or Romania.  Also, we should look to the future and try to understand that being one, as Romanian Orthodox Christians, centered on Christ is stronger than anything else.  I hope that our church prays for that and God will soon answer our prayers.

* from The A.R.O.Y. News, June-August 2009

[Bianca is a high school student in Canfield, Ohio.  She attends Holy Trinity Romanian Orthodox Church in Youngstown, and is a former president of the Youngstown A.R.O.Y. Chapter.]