Bucharest Mayor urges Orthodox youth to carry forward a ‘free, open and Christian’ Romania

Bucharest Mayor Ciprian Ciucu on Tuesday urged young participants at ITO 2026 to carry forward Romania “as it is today — open, free and Christian”.

The Mayor addressed more than 2,400 young people gathered at the National Cathedral for the opening of the International Meeting of Orthodox Youth and said their presence gave the venue particular significance.

“I am moved. This is the third time I have entered this cathedral, but today it seems more beautiful to me than ever because it is filled with young people who form a wonderful community.”

The Bucharest Mayor went on to speak about identity, language, tradition and the importance of community, themes closely connected with the character of the Orthodox youth gathering.

“Of course, we must love our language and cherish our traditions, our history and all our national symbols.”

“These give us a sense of community — to be of one mind, to have common goals and to carry our society forward.”

“I hope you enjoy Bucharest. It is a city with a great deal to offer in terms of tourist, historical and ecclesiastical sites,” Ciprian Ciucu said in conclusion.

The 2026 International Meeting of Orthodox Youth is taking…