Delegates from Romanian Orthodox parishes across the United States and Canada gathered together in prayer and fellowship to share their common experiences and work together to continue the charitable, spiritual and educational goals of the organization.

We at Sts. Peter & Paul A.R.O.Y. thank our many members, family and friends who attended and supported this year's Conference.  Our parish has hosted several prior A.R.O.Y. Conferences (1976, 1987, 1994 & 2000) and was again a most memorable event.  May God bless A.R.O.Y.'s efforts until we all meet again next year hosted by the Cathedral A.R.O.Y. Chapters in Southfield, Michigan!

CLICK HERE for the official Conference review article - The 57th Annual AROY Conference: Revisiting My Roots by Lisa Nemes, 2006-2007 National AROY Secretary.

I M A G E   G A L L E R Y

Friday, September 1

Debutante Luncheon

			Immediately following the debutante rehearsal, it is customary for the girls to spend a relaxing lunch with their mothers.
			This year's debutante luncheon was held at Andiamo's in Dearborn.
			Part of the afternoon's activities included games for all to have fun and get to know one another.

 
Conference Session I

			The first Conference session began on Friday afternoon, following the Divine Liturgy earlier that morning.
			Delegates from the host chapter, Sts. Peter & Paul A.R.O.Y.
			President John E. Lazar opens the 57th Conference.
			Throughout the weekend, a display was up to introduce the works and publications of the organization too attendees and guests.
			A workshop took place on Friday afternoon in which the delegation broke into two groups - teens and post-teens - to discuss their participation, goals and challenges in the organization.
			The teen group discussions were led by Fr. Calinic, National Spiritual Advisor, and National Board Member Lisa Nemes.
			The post-teen group met in one of the parish classrooms led by National Board Members Alexandra Treff and Maranda Tipa.
			Representatives of each discussion group reported their deliberations to the Conference body.
			Delegates from Grand-R.O.Y. of Grand Rapids, Michigan.
			The Cathedral Senior A.R.O.Y. delegates from Southfield, Michigan.
			Returning to the business of the Conference, members offer questions and comments from the floor.

 
Boat Cruise on the Detroit River

			Friday evening, almost 200 delegates and guests proceeded to the banks of the Detroit River to spend the evening cruising along the U.S. Canadian border between the cities of Detroit and Windsor.
			Dancing was available on the upper level of the boat.
			Music for the dance was provided by host chapter president David Cook.

 
Saturday, September 2

Conference Session II

			Fr. Romey Rosco, host parish priest, welcomes the delegates upon their return on Saturday morning.
			Two of many parish volunteers, Mrs. Virginia Moore & Mrs. Sophie Tifrea, greeted delegates as they registered.
			Mr. Marius Opincariu, Youth Director for The Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese in America and Canada, was a guest observer to the conference and offered warm greetings from Archbishop Nicolae and the youth of the R.O.A.A.C.

 
Memorial Service (Parastas)

			As is traditional, a memorial service was celebrated in the church in remembrance of the deceased hierarchs of the diocese, as well as past spiritual advisors and presidents of the organization.
			His Eminence, Archbishop Nathaniel officiated the service with responses given by members in attendance.

 
Lunch

			One of several delicious meals was prepared and served by parents and family.
			A surprise birthday cake was brought out for V. Rev. Fr. Laurence Lazar and Miss Alexandra Reed, who both celebrated birthdays that weekend.

 
Conference Session III

			Following lunch, the meetings resumed.
			An audio/visual presentation was made by Fr. Calinic on a recent trip he organized to Project Mexico with several A.R.O.Y. members.
			Some of those A.R.O.Y. members were on hand to share their experiences and reflections on the trip.
			His Eminence, Archbishop Nathaniel addressing the delegation.
			President Lazar brings the 57th Conference to a close.  Immediately after, the electoral session took place under the chairmanship of His Eminence, in which John was elected to a second consecutive term as President.
			His Eminence greets clergy arriving for vespers after the group photo.

 
Great Vespers

			Following the group photo, the delegates and guests went into the church for Great Vespers.
			The service was celebrated by Archbishop Nathaniel, assisted by several local and visiting clergy.
			The responses were led by several A.R.O.Y. members who are also cantors in their local parishes.
			His Eminence preaching following the conclusion of the service.

 
Past Presidents Dinner

			Each year it is traditional the the Past National Presidents in attendance, along with their spouses, gather for dinner one of the evenings.  This year they gathered at Big Fish in Dearborn.
			The evening is spend reminiscing over times past, rekindling friendships and looking to A.R.O.Y.'s future.
			The hierarch(s) in attendance and the current spiritual advisor are also invited as guests.

 
Romanian Picnic Dinner & Dance

			That evening at the parish hall, everyone was invited to a Romanian Picnic and Dance featuring a delicious menu of Romanian foods and dancing to American and traditional Romanian music.
			The ladies of the kitchen pause for a group photo.
			Part of the way into the evening, attendees were treated to a tempting and abundant table of homemade sweets.

 
Sunday, September 3

Hierarchal Divine Liturgy

			Sunday morning, everyone gathered in prayer at the Hierarchal Divine Liturgy.
			President John E. Lazar reading the Epistle.
			The deacons read the Holy Gospel.
			His Eminence gives a blessing.
			At the conclusion of the Liturgy, the newly-elected members of the National Board were called forward to take their Oath of Office, administered by Archbishop Nathaniel.

 
Grand Banquet

			The hundreds of faithful in attendance gathered in the parish hall for the Grand Banquet.
			Debutantes were given another opportunity to sit together and enjoy each other's company...
			...and more debutantes!
			Members of the newly-elected National Board are seated at the main tables.
			Fr. Romey Rosco, host parish priest, also served as master of ceremonies.
			President Lazar welcomes those in attendance and offers a few words.
			Mr. Marius Opincariu was invited to offer remarks in which he presented an icon of St. Nicholas to A.R.O.Y. on behalf of Archbishop Nicolae and the youth of the R.O.A.A.C.
			President Lazar then presented official charters to the newly established chapters in attendance.
			Victor Frunza accepts the charter for Grand-R.O.Y., Grand Rapids, Michigan.
			John Filip accepts the charter for Kitchener A.R.O.Y., Kitchener, Ontario.
			Alexandru Radulescu accepts the charter for Cathedral Senior A.R.O.Y., Southfield, Michigan.
			The President's Award was then presented to John Filip, Kitchener A.R.O.Y. President, in honor of his efforts and dedication to the organization throughout the past year.
			The A.R.O.Y.-Stanitz scholarship was awarded to two individuals by President Lazar and Mr. John Stanitz.  The recipients were Miss Silvana Totan...
			...and Mr. Gregory Maxim, both of St. George Cathedral, Southfield, Michgian.
			His Eminence, Archbishop Nathaniel offers the main address at the banquet.

 
"Now and Forever" Debutante Ball

			The social highlight and conclusion of the conference weekend is the annual Debutante Ball at which young ladies are presented to all in attendance as Debutantes.
			The debutantes and their families gather for photographs and last-minute preparations prior to the formal presentation in the hotel Grand Ballroom.
			Ladies of the National Board gather for a group photo amid the preparations.
			Traditional Romanian and American music for the evening was provided by the Transilvania Orchestra.
			The more than 400 attendees, both young and old, danced traditional Romanian dances into the early hours of the morning.
			Toward the end of the evening, many of those in attendance traditionally gather in the middle of the dance floor to sing several traditional American, Romanian and Canadian anthems.