The International Meeting of Orthodox Youth (ITO), the largest youth event organised by the Romanian Orthodox Church, will take place in Bucharest from 31 August to 3 September 2026 under the theme “Young People, the Family and Life in Christ”.
With the blessing of Patriarch Daniel of Romania, this year’s gathering will bring together approximately 2,400 young people aged 16 to 35 from Romania and the Romanian diaspora, as well as from other countries, for an experience of fellowship, prayer, dialogue, and Christian formation.
Launched in 2014, the International Meeting of Orthodox Youth has become one of the Romanian Patriarchate’s most important youth ministry initiatives. Over the years, diocesan and university centres have hosted it, including Baia Mare (2014), Cluj-Napoca (2015), Bucharest (2016), Iași (2017), Sibiu (2018), Craiova (2019), and Timișoara (2023).
The 2026 edition is being held in the context of the Solemn Year of the Pastoral Care of the Christian Family and the Commemorative Year of the Holy Women in the Calendar (Myrrh-bearers, Martyrs, Monastics, Wives and Mothers). It will offer young people an opportunity to reflect and engage in dialogue on issues central to their lives: family, vocation, and Christian identity in a society undergoing continuous change.
Through conferences, workshops, times of prayer, and cultural activities, the International Meeting of Orthodox Youth aims to provide participants with an authentic setting for encounter through prayer and to strengthen fellowship among Orthodox young people from around the world.
Further information is available on the official ITO 2026 website.
Programme
Monday, 31 August 2026
19:45–22:00 – Music concert at the Roman Arenas.
Tuesday, 1 September 2026
10:00–10:30 – Te Deum service marking the beginning of the Ecclesiastical Year, inside the National Cathedral;
10:30–12:30 – Official opening of the event at the National Cathedral;
18:30–20:30 – Thematic conference, Young People and the Family in Today’s Society, delivered by Andreea Ogăraru and Dr Radu Țincu inside the National Cathedral.
Wednesday, 2 September 2026
18:00–19:30 – Spiritual conference, Young People and the Church in the Orthodox Diaspora: Pastoral Experience in Northern Europe, delivered by Bishop Macarie, Romanian Orthodox Bishop of Northern Europe, inside the National Cathedral;
19:30–20:00 – Presentation of the Holy Prophet Elijah the Tishbite Youth Activities Centre project;
20:30–21:30 – Pilgrimage (Procession of Lights), beginning at the National Cathedral and ending at the historic Patriarchal Cathedral, following the route: Izvor Street – Calea 13 Septembrie – Libertății Boulevard – Constitution Square – Unirii Boulevard – Union Square (western side) – Brâncoveanu Cross – Hill of Joy – Patriarchal Cathedral.
Thursday, 3 September 2026
09:00–12:00 – Divine Liturgy celebrated by an assembly of hierarchs, priests and deacons inside the National Cathedral;
12:00–12:30 – Closing of the event.
During the services and events held at the National Cathedral as part of the International Meeting of Orthodox Youth, members of the public will have access exclusively to the Cathedral esplanade, where screens will be installed so that they can follow the services and conferences.
Only for the Divine Liturgy on Thursday, 3 September 2026, will members of the public also be permitted inside the National Cathedral, subject to available capacity.
Source: basilica.ro
