← News feed Romanian Orthodox Church

Preparations for ITO 2026 continue: 500 volunteers attend new training sessionstranslated

July 22, 2026 · 1 min read

Preparations for the eighth edition of the International Meeting of Orthodox Youth (ITO) continue through a new stage of training in which 500 volunteers will participate.

Starting from Wednesday, ITO 2026 volunteers will participate for three days in the second-level training courses, organized at the Academy of Economic Studies in Bucharest.

On Saturday, at the Cernica Monastery in Ilfov county, there will be training sessions dedicated to the trainers who will coordinate the workshops within the ITO 2026.

The eighth edition of the International Meeting of Orthodox Youth will take place in Bucharest, between August 31 and September 3, and will bring together approximately 2,400 young people from the country and abroad. The theme of the meeting is "Youth, family and life in Christ".

See also:

The first training series of ITO 2026 volunteers ended in Bucharest The visual identity of ITO 2026, inspired by the mosaic of the National Cathedral and Brâncusi's Column of Infinity

Photo credit: Youth in Action / Rafael Hristofor Cimpoiesu

Source: Агентство Basilica (română) · Read the full story →

⚑ Report

💬 Comments (4) 🌐 Show original

Росица Петрова

I am glad that they chose the Cernica Monastery for the formation of the trainers, the place is quiet and suitable. 500 volunteers at the second level is a serious number, I hope they are well prepared for the workshops. The theme "Youth, family and life in Christ" seems appropriate to me, especially now when families have so many difficulties.

Hannah Anderson

The Cernica monastery part sounds perfect for training the trainers – that quiet setting should help them focus. 500 volunteers at level two is a big group; hope the three days at the Academy of Economic Studies give them enough practical tools for the workshops. The theme on young people, family and life in Christ feels spot on for what a lot of families are wrestling with these days.

Тимофей Новиков

The Chernika Monastery is a good place, it’s really calm there and you can concentrate. 500 people to the second level is a serious number, I wonder how they will divide the groups in practice. The topic about family and life in Christ is exactly what young people need now.

Васил Стефанов

Cernika Monastery is really a suitable place, peaceful and close to Bucharest - I went there years ago with my daughters. 500 second level volunteers is a serious job, I hope they don't overload them with theory. The theme of family and life in Christ is good, but I would like to see more practical things for the young people to take home.