Glory to God for everything!
ROYA, with the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Nicolae, organized a series of virtual meetings in the last nights of 2020. Although it was customary to organize a camp at the Protection of the Mother of God Monastery in Allegan, MI, this year, due to the pandemic, this camp could not be organized.
Just as the last two ROYA events were organized, Heritage Month and the Spring Retreats, Christmas with ROYA was organized on Zoom. Starting on December 28, every evening at 7.00 pm EST, for four days, the youth met and did various activities together.
On the first night, about 25 young adults participated in an activity led by ROYA members in Chicago. Organized like a "treasure hunt", participants had the chance to talk and spend time together while taking part in this hunt. On the second night, the youth participated in a Jeopardy game, answering questions about Romanian culture and traditions, and trying to outdo the other teams.
On the third night, His Eminence Metropolitan Nicolae, together with His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian, joined the young adults in an Akathist of the Nativity. In His Eminence’s message, the Metropolitan encouraged the participants to remain strong examples of faith and to hope that things will change in the next year with the help of the Lord. His Grace also encouraged them to live the energy and joy of youth through their faith, especially now, when people say it is not possible. After the end of the Akathist, an art workshop led by Katerina Clempuș followed.
And on the last night, the night before the new year, participants had Father Silviu Bunta by their side. The meeting was in the format of a free discussion, with Father Bunta attending the discussion by answering questions. The questions ranged from reflection and contemplation about the previous year, and how this would be done from an Orthodox point of view. Participants also posed questions about the difference between experiencing emotions and experiencing virtues. Father Bunta was very patient and he answered them carefully. Towards the end, he retired and participants spent a few more moments together before each logging off to spend time with their families for the incoming new year.
Although we are used to having a camp where we can meet at the end of the year, the purpose of these meetings was to give everyone who wanted it the chance to meet. We thank His Eminence and His Grace for their presence, support, and guidance that they continually offer to our young adults. We also thank Father Silviu Bunta and all those who participated in the organization of these events, as well as the participants themselves.
Pompiliu Gîrlonța
