His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian Attended

the Opening of the ARC Camps at Caraiman Monastery

The Department for Romanians Abroad (DRP) announced the organization of the 16th edition of the “ARC” Camp Program, dedicated to young Romanians from communities outside the country's borders. This important event was inaugurated on Thursday at the “Holy Cross” Monastery in Caraiman, Prahova County, marking the beginning of an initiative aimed at promoting cultural identity and national values among young Romanians in the diaspora.

Distinguished guests attended the event, including hierarchs from the diaspora – His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian of Canada and His Grace Bishop Nectarie of Ireland and Iceland – as well as officials and diplomats from Romania’s diplomatic missions abroad, a clear demonstration of institutional support and interest in this initiative.

Mrs. Cristina Lavinia Arnăutu, Director with responsibilities as Secretary of State, gave the opening remarks. The event began with a prayer, and the opening blessing was offered by the Romanian hierarch of Canada.

The Patriarch of Romania sent a message of encouragement and support to the young participants through Fr. Costin Spiridon, Patriarchal Counselor in the External Relations Department, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the connection of young people with Romanian values and traditions as the foundation of a true Romanian identity.

“It is a blessing that, through these camps, young people can discover the beauty of the Romanian language, the values of the Orthodox faith, and the richness of our spiritual and cultural heritage,” conveyed Patriarch Daniel.

“Our identity values, nurtured through education, faith, and ethnic belonging, are a solid foundation upon which our personal, familial, and national development is built.”

Speeches delivered by His Grace Bishop Nectarie, representatives of partner institutions, guests, and organizers emphasized the program’s role in developing national identity, promoting cultural values, and strengthening the sense of belonging to Romania among young people in the diaspora.

This year’s camp program will take place between July 1 and September 2, 2025, and will consist of several consecutive sessions, each lasting 8 days. These sessions will be held in various locations selected by the organizers to provide a diverse and accessible experience for as many young people from Romanian communities abroad as possible.

To ensure broad participation, the organizers will fully cover accommodation and meals for all participants. In return, the young people from the diaspora will be responsible for covering transportation costs from their country of residence to Bucharest and back, using personal funds or other sources of financing.

The event concluded with a cultural program featuring performances by choral groups and Romanian folk-dance ensembles from Romania, Ukraine, and Moldova.