More than 3000 young people from across the world attended the fifth edition of International Orthodox Youth Meeting (ITO) in Sibiu, Romania. “Unity, Faith, Nation” was the theme of this event and offered the opportunity for reflection and true meaning of these words.
The Divine Liturgy was served every day followed by discussions on different topics where the youth was encouraged to express their opinion. This gave the chance to value their thoughts for a Christian living and for the youth unity working together towards salvation. We were very happy to go back to Romania and to have the honor to represent the Romanian Orthodox Metropolia of the Americas. We got along very well with the local Romanians and also with other international participants and we made many friends.
We believe that our participation at ITO was very important. Many Romanians have relatives or friends in the USA or Canada and were very happy to see us at The Procession of Unity. We wanted the entire world to see our confession of faith and to give witness that Orthodoxy is alive everywhere. “Christ is in our midst! He is and shall be!” These words could be heard on the streets of Sibiu at The Procession of Unity when we all went to give witness for our love in Christ and for our love to each other. We felt a strength, a grace that filled us with joy and hope, assuring us that indeed Christ is with us.
Along with representatives from the USA and Canada were also present delegates from Jerusalem and Africa. Their presence was another proof that it was worth it. They welcomed us with big smiles and warm greetings.
ITO had a great impact on us as Nord American youth where there are not that many Orthodox youth and we feel like we are a minority with our faith. Likewise felt other youth that came to Sibiu from around the world. By participating they felt strengthen in living the Orthodoxy back home. The unity of Romanians as a nation was a good example for all in attendance.
From the moment delegates came to the end of the event many memories were born. The youth received all the teachings from all meetings and debates and took them back home. These memories will be heard by other youth as well and those who could not make it to ITO this year will make an effort to be present, physically and spiritually, to the next editions.
Until the next ITO 2019 meeting from Craiova we urge you not to forget the ITO experience from Sibiu and always bear in mind, heart and voice “Christ is in our midst!”
Andrei Mărginean
Gabriel Țăpuc
