Orthodox Youth Day is observed annually on February 2, marking an occasion for young Orthodox Christians worldwide to celebrate their faith and community. This International Day was established in June 1992 during the 14th General Assembly of Syndesmos – The World Fellowship of Orthodox Youth. The initiative received the blessing of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and several other Primates of local Orthodox Churches.
The Origins of Syndesmos
Syndesmos was founded in 1953 in Paris by a group of young theologians from France, Finland, and Greece. Since its inception, the organization has played a key role in uniting and supporting Orthodox youth worldwide.
Romanian Orthodox Youth Organizations
At the national level, Romanian Orthodox youth are organized primarily around major university centers through branches of ASCOR (The Association of Romanian Orthodox Christian Students). Other organizations include ATOR (The Association of Romanian Orthodox Youth) and parish-based youth groups or associations affiliated with theological institutions.
Internationally, Romanian Orthodox youth engage in NEPSIS Fellowship, active within the Metropolis of Western and Southern Europe, and ATORG (The Association of Romanian Orthodox Youth in Germany), which operates under the Metropolis of Germany, Central and Northern Europe.
These organizations focus on spiritual growth and social engagement, education, volunteer work, and charitable initiatives.
Additionally, Romanian Orthodox youth actively support women in crisis pregnancies through specialized centers and pro-life organizations, working under the blessing and guidance of the Romanian Orthodox Church.
ITO – The International Meeting of Orthodox Youth
Since 2014, Romania has hosted the International Meeting of Orthodox Youth (ITO) annually, except for 2020 and 2021, when the event was suspended due to the pandemic.
Last year, the gathering took place in Ploiești, bringing together youth from the Archdiocese of Bucharest and neighbouring dioceses. The 8th international edition of ITO is scheduled for 2026.
Photo: Basilica.ro / Raluca Ene
