Romanian Orthodox Youth to Gather in Chicago This Weekend for the 2026 AROY National Conference

CHICAGO, IL — With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Nathaniel of Detroit and the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America, Romanian Orthodox young adults from across the country will gather in Chicago, Illinois, this weekend, September 4–6, 2026, for the 2026 National Conference of the American Romanian Orthodox Youth (AROY).

The conference will be hosted by the Falling Asleep of the Ever-Virgin Mary Romanian Orthodox Parish (Saint Mary), with the generous support and hospitality of the parish priest, V. Rev. Fr. George Ursache, Dean of the Central USA Deanery, parish council, and entire parish community.

His Grace Bishop Andrei of Cleveland, Auxiliary Bishop of the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America, will be present throughout the conference, joining the young adults in prayer, fellowship, and the activities planned for the weekend.

This year’s conference theme, I Am the Light of the World , is drawn from the words of our Lord Jesus Christ in John 8:12. Participants will explore how Orthodox Christians are called to reflect the light of Christ in their lives and communities, with particular attention given to the life and spiritual witness of Archimandrite Roman…