Nearly 400 young people gathered from October 11 to 13 at the Mater Salvatoris Catholic School Campus in Vienna for the annual meeting of the Association of Romanian Orthodox Youth from Germany, Austria, and Luxembourg (ATORG).
The event was attended by Metropolitan Serafim of Germany, Central and Northern Europe, Bishop Sofian of Brașov, Assistant Bishop to the Archdiocese of Germany, Austria, and Luxembourg, Father Emanuel Nuțu, cultural advisor to the Archdiocese, Father Nicolae Dura, Vicar of Austria, as well as special guests including Rev. Professor Stelian Tofană and Monk Pimen Vlad from Mount Athos.
Father Stelian Tofană addressed the youth, focusing on the growing issue of loneliness in contemporary society and the need for communion through Christ. Monk Pimen Vlad spoke about the discernment necessary to distinguish authentic love from selfishness.
Father Nicolae Dura presented a newly reissued German-language youth Bible, which was gifted to the participants.
The conferences and discussions were interspersed with artistic performances by the traditional vocal group “Ai lui Ștefan noi oșteni” from Vicovu de Sus, Suceava County.
At the initiative of Metropolitan Serafim, a meeting was also held for those involved in catechetical activities. Special invitees included Archimandrite Nicodim Petre from Bucium Monastery in Iași and Hieromonk Pantelimon Șușnea from Oașa Monastery.
A Young Diaspora
On the final day, at the invitation of Father Emanuel Nuțu, ATORG Vice President for Austria, the hierarchs, clergy, and youth gathered in prayer at the “Saint Stephen the Great” Church in Vienna.
“The majority of our faithful Romanians living here in the diaspora are young, and many of them have children of their own,” said Metropolitan Serafim in an interview with Trinitas TV.
“We often hear that the Church needs young people, that they are not only the present but also the future of the Church. Without the youth, there will be no future, and working with them is both demanding and essential.”
“Over these days, many valuable teachings were planted in the hearts of the young people attending this meeting. They are called to nurture these teachings in their lives, to become tomorrow’s sowers—leaders of society, the world, and the Church,” said Bishop Sofian in a message shared on Facebook after the event.
“I am very happy for our community, which was deeply involved in organizing this meeting. This involvement has also brought us closer together,” added Father Emanuel Nuțu.
The next ATORG meeting is scheduled for October 10-12, 2025, in Aschaffenburg, Germany.
Photo: Facebok / Episcop Sofian Brașoveanul
