On the third day of the Nativity of Christ, half of this year's camp participants arrived, gathering at Ss. Constantine and Helen Cathedral in Chicago for Divine Liturgy. Each new face was a blessing, while familiar faces felt like brothers and sisters reconnecting effortlessly. After the Liturgy, the youth shared a meal together before heading to Michigan for ROYA’s annual Winter Camp “Tabără de colinde”.
Despite the rainy and overcast skies, Christ's presence among us filled our hearts with peace and love. Forty-one youth from both the USA and Canada came together at The Protection of the Mother of God Monastery in Allegan, Michigan, for a week of traditional Romanian caroling and spiritual guidance from His Eminence Metropolitan Nicolae and Father Petru, ROYA’s spiritual advisor.
Each day began with the glorification of God through morning prayers or the Divine Liturgy. These moments of prayer fostered a profound sense of fellowship, as many of us gathered around the chanting stand, singing and reading together. Beyond church services, participants were entrusted with daily obediences, including preparing breakfast and helping set up the dining hall. Much of our time was dedicated to learning new carols, which we later shared during our house visits within the monastery community and at our concert, which was streamed on social media for a broader audience. Though the weather kept us from enjoying winter sports, we still made the most of the outdoors, playing volleyball, soccer, taking walks around the property, and engaging in other activities.
We were especially blessed to have Father Petru, ROYA’s spiritual advisor, accompany us for this year’s winter camp. He led enlightening talks on topics that deeply resonated with the youth, such as repentance, relationships, and the victory of Christ over death. His words encouraged us to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and the profound significance of Christ’s incarnation.
On Sunday, following the Divine Liturgy, we enjoyed a light lunch before embarking on our caroling journey. We visited six households, each welcoming us warmly with delicious food and gracious hospitality. Later in the evening, His Eminence Nicolae initiated a video call with His Grace Ioan Casian, who was attending the winter camp in Mono, Ontario. We took turns caroling to one another, rejoicing in the bond of fellowship and the shared celebration of Christ’s Nativity.
The following day, we had the incredible opportunity to visit the Holy Dormition Orthodox Monastery in Rives Junction, Michigan. We started our day early with morning prayers and breakfast to go in each car, enjoying the scenic drive to the monastery. Upon arrival, we caroled the nuns and the priest, Father John, in the main church. We were then blessed to hear talks from Fr. John and Mother Gabriella about the life of Fr. Roman Braga, and some of the other Romanian prisons confessors of the Communist era. After lunch, we visited the bookstore and held a Panakhida service at Fr. Roman’s grave. Our visit concluded with a peaceful hike through the monastery grounds. Back in Allegan, we gathered for hot chocolate and group games, and throughout the evening, many had the opportunity to partake in confession with Father Petru.
On New Year's Eve, our day began early with the Divine Liturgy. Afterward, we rehearsed traditional Romanian carols for our evening concert and prepared the dining hall, adorning it with Christmas lights, candles, and traditional Romanian decorations. The anticipation of the New Year filled the air. Our concert was attended by members of the local community and broadcast online to our social media followers. See here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rorthodoxyouth/profilecard/?igsh=MWZzZmU3aDI1Y2Jjcw== (@rorthodoxyouth)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1HDjQ146iB/?mibextid=wwXIfr (page name: ROYA)
Later, we gathered for Vespers, followed by a bonfire where we danced to traditional Romanian songs. At 11:00 PM, we entered the church for an Akathist to Christ the Savior, followed by a Te Deum service. We welcomed the New Year by asking forgiveness from one another and embracing in heartfelt forgiveness hugs.
New Year’s Day marked our final day together. We began with Divine Liturgy, followed by a final meal, which ended with the traditional last day tiramisu dessert and a chorus of “Many Years” in honor of ROYA. Rather than saying goodbye, we exchanged promises of “see you soon,” eagerly anticipating our next gathering in the spring.
Glory to God for all things! And to all, Many Years!
With Love in the Birth of Christ,
The Youth of ROYA
