German youth discover Orthodox Christianity through volunteer work at Romanian monastery

Young Germans are discovering the beauty of Orthodoxy through volunteer activities at Piatra Fântânele Monastery in Bistrița-Năsăud County, where they are taking part in a work camp.

The programme runs from 15 to 29 August and brings together 20 participants from the Evangelical Youth Association in Württemberg ( EJW ), the Cluj branch of the Association of Orthodox Christian Youth of Romania (ATCOR), and young people who grew up and received their formation within the monastic community.

Through their voluntary work, the participants are contributing to the development of the monastery’s new complex. They are also taking part in its liturgical programme, visits and activities through which they discover the traditions and distinctive characteristics of the two Christian communities.

The monastery currently cares for 32 children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds through its “A Chance for Education” project.

Getting to know one another through work and fellowship German volunteers work together with the nuns to build the new complex at Piatra Fântânele Monastery. 20.08.2026 Photo source: Fr. Ștefan Iloaie Margret Illi, coordinator of the German…