At the beginning of the Dormition Fast, from 30 July - 2 August, the youth of ROYA (Romanian Orthodox Youth of the Americas) were blessed with the opportunity to meet in person at the Protection of the Mother of God Monastery in Allegan, Michigan. Under the care of Father Petru Neaga from the Annunciation Parish of Cleveland, Ohio, the young people spent unforgettable days, combining the pleasant and the useful. They spent moments together outside, in the fresh air, in the wonderful landscape of the monastery. Likewise, they also participated in discussions and at Divine Liturgies.
On Saturday morning, the youth chanted at the Divine Liturgy, after which they served the lunch that was prepared by Preoteasa Nicole, Sorin and Marcel Motoc from Cleveland. Afterwards, they listened to a spiritual talk with the theme “The Mother of God: in the world, not of the world” delivered by Abbot Ieremia from Saint Dimitrios the New Monastery in Middletown, NY. The father talked about the importance of frequently going in pilgrimages to places where grace plentifully abounds, as is the Russian Cathedral in New York City, where the “Kursk Root” icon is, or the relics of Saint John Maximovitch from San Francisco. Father reminded us that there will always be moments when we need support and spiritual encouragement. These places are there for that very purpose. Only grace can teach us how to live according to the law of God, and not according to the law of the world.
His Eminence Metropolitan Nicolae arrived at this meeting on Saturday evening. Immediately afterwards followed the Vigil Service in honor of the Holy Cross and of Saint John Jacob. The beautiful celebration of Saint John Jacob (who is the patron saint of the monastery) continued on Sunday morning. The youth chanted at the kliros, and the church was filled with many families from the local village, as well as from Chicago. Immediately after the Divine Liturgy, His Eminence Nicolae talked about the life of the saint and presented a poetic epigram which the saint had sent to Archimandrite Victorin, who would later become Archbishop of our Metropolia, during the time when the latter was residing and teaching at Saint Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary from South Canaan, PA. Afterwards, a few of the youth recited poems in which Saint John Jacob expressed the desire for the Romanian pure soul. The feast continued at the meal. The youth read a few more of the saint’s poems related to the Mother of God and to the love for the Holy Places, and afterwards, they surprised His Eminence by singing some traditional Romanian hymns.
Towards the end of the day, the young people went outside in the shade with Father Petru. They asked him questions, which was followed by a discussion during which it seemed that time stopped. Father talked about the importance to love Christ, just like we love a friend. He included many stories from the experience of his reverence as a parish priest. The discussion ended with a piece of advice from father, namely, that each of us must become a light in the world. Having Christ, it is impossible to allow darkness and the temptations of the enemy to overcome us.
In the final night, meaning from Sunday until Monday, the final Divine Liturgy was served, preceded by the Midnight Office and Matins. The youth enjoyed the sweetness brought by the grace of the evening prayer, aided by the fact that the entire service was chanted in the Byzantine style.
During these blessed days of Christian camp, the participants enjoyed an atmosphere of peace and communion. We thank God and His Mother for the priceless gift of being able to meet. All of us remained with joy in our soul and with zeal to step firmly on the way of confessing Christ through the authentic living of this joy.
We thank Preoteasa Nicole, Mr Sorin, Mrs Marcela, and all the other volunteers who endeavored to assure us the meals throughout the Camp, and even more than that, for making us feel as if we were at home. We are in debt to Father Petru Neaga, our host, who was like a father to us. We thank Father Ieremia who took it upon himself to fly from New York in order to spend a few precious hours with us. We thank His Eminence Metropolitan Nicolae for his presence in our midst. Glory to God for all things!
ROYA Board
