AROLA Congress 2026: Mission, Fellowship, and the Election of the New Board
From May 1-3, 2026, the Association of Romanian Orthodox Ladies in America, AROLA, gathered at the Mono Monastery in Canada for the AROLA Congress, a time of prayer, fellowship, reflection, and setting missionary priorities for the years ahead.
The congress opened on Friday with the official welcome, followed by the Paraklesis service to the Mother of God. On Saturday, the program began with Matins, the Divine Liturgy, and the memorial service, followed by the official congress sessions.
A central moment of the gathering was the conference offered by Mother Gabriela, from the Dormition of the Mother of God Monastery in Rives Junction, USA, on the mission of women in today’s world. The sessions also included activity and financial reports, updates on current projects, discussions on future objectives, and the election of the new AROLA Board.
Participants also took part in a pilgrimage on the grounds of Mono Monastery, where they had the opportunity to venerate the garment touched to the relics of Saint Cleopa and Saint Paisie of Sihăstria. The day concluded with the Vespers service.
On Sunday, AROLA members participated in the Divine Liturgy celebrated by His Eminence Metropolitan Nicolae, Metropolitan of the two Americas. In his address, His Eminence emphasized the responsibility entrusted to the new AROLA Board and to all members of the organization: to identify the real needs of our communities and to help bring forward meaningful solutions through stronger collaboration and communication with parishes, clergy, and women in local communities.
His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian, Bishop of Canada, also highlighted the fruitful work of women in Romanian Orthodox communities, who continue to carry forward the faith inherited from home. His Grace encouraged AROLA members to follow the example of the Myrrh-bearing Women, through faith, courage, sacrifice, and steadfast service.
The AROLA Congress 2026 was a meaningful opportunity to strengthen fellowship among members, reaffirm the organization’s mission, and embrace a shared commitment to serving Romanian Orthodox communities across North America.
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