Youth representatives from the Archdiocese of Craiova, at the first edition of the National Youth Congresstranslated

With the blessing of His Eminence Father Dr. Irineu, Archbishop of Craiova and Metropolitan of Oltenia, between November 5-8, 2026, at the "Holy Cross" Social-Pastoral Center of the Caraiman Monastery, the first edition of the National Youth Congress was held, an event organized by the Association of Orthodox Theological Students from Bucharest, together with the branches of ASCOR Arad and ASCOR Alba Iulia.

This meeting was attended by approximately 100 young people representing youth associations and organizations within the Romanian Patriarchate. Nicoleta Diana Vătafu, president of the Association of Romanian Orthodox Youth from Craiova, and Isabella Maria Mîrșiu, vice-president of the Association of Christian-Orthodox Romanian Students, Craiova branch, were present from Craiova.

The Congress offered the participants a framework for training, dialogue and exchange of experience, in which the themes related to the organization of youth activities were approached from complementary perspectives: theological, psychological and managerial. The working meetings aimed at strengthening the capacity of organizations to define their identity, plan their activity and respond as best as possible to the needs of young people.

A first…