With the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Nicolae and His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian, the Association of Romanian Orthodox Ladies Auxiliary (AROLA) organized the Spiritual Retreat for all Christian women from the parishes of the Romanian Orthodox Metropolia of the Americas from March 28 to March 30, 2025. This event took place under the guidance and coordination of AROLA in the context of the proclamation of 2025 by the Romanian Patriarchate as the "Commemorative Year of Spiritual Fathers and Confessors of the 20th Century."
The activities on Saturday commenced with the Holy and Divine Liturgy, followed by the Memorial Service (Parastas). The joy of coming together in a spirit of prayer and communion held a profound significance for all participants.
This year’s conference theme was deeply impactful and spiritually enriching: "Self-Restraint and Self-Control According to the Teachings of Saint John Climacus," delivered by Rev. Prof. Ștefan Negreanu. The conference provided participants with an essential perspective on the inner spiritual struggle, the path to spiritual growth through discipline, and the importance of inner balance in Christian life.
The retreats took place in both the United States and Canada:
Locations in the United States:
- Eastern US: St. Dimitrios the New Monastery – Middletown, New York
- Central US: Protection of the Mother of God Monastery – Allegan, Michigan
- Southern US: St. John Cassian Church – San Antonio, Texas
- Western US: St. Dimitrios the New and St. George Church – Las Vegas, Nevada
The Deanery representatives presented the lives and teachings of four Romanian nuns, exemplary models of humility, prayer, and service during times of trial and suffering:
- Mother Siluana Vlad – "Light in the Darkness of the World – A Life of Humility and Prayer"
- Mother Ierusalima Ghibu – "The Silence That Speaks – Prayer and Obedience as the Foundation of the Spiritual Life"
- Mother Alexandrina Colibaba – "The Power of Divine Love – A Life Dedicated to Serving Those in Suffering"
- Mother Benedicta of Văratec (Zoe Dumitrescu-Bușulenga) – "Returning to God Through Knowledge and Love for One’s Neighbor"
In addition, various traditional activities were organized, including Easter egg decorating, prayer rope crafting, and glass painting.
Locations in Canada:
- Eastern Canada: St. George Cathedral – Montreal, Quebec
- Western Canada: Sts. Constantine and Helen Church – Edmonton, Alberta
- Western Canada: St. Nicholas and St. Prophet Elijah Church – Vancouver, British Columbia
- Central Canada: St. George and St. Andrei Șaguna Cathedral – Windsor, Ontario
- Central Canada: All Saints Church – Toronto, Ontario
In Canada, participants had the opportunity to learn about the lives and teachings of Mother Benedicta of Văratec (Zoe Dumitrescu-Bușulenga) and Mother Siluana Vlad. They also engaged in traditional activities such as Easter egg decorating, baking Lenten cozonac (sweet bread), icon painting, and crafting prayer ropes.
This retreat was a moment of spiritual strengthening, communal prayer, and deepening of Orthodox teachings.
The AROLA Board
