THE ASSOCIATION OF ROMANIAN ORTHODOX
LADIES AUXILIARIES OF NORTH AMERICA
(Founded 1938)
The role of A.R.F.O.R.A. has been a vital part in the life of the Episcopate and in the local Parishes. It is the women who are called upon to share our time, talents and dedication towards spiritual growth of the Church. We are depended upon to bring the Orthodox Faith to a real and personal level in the lives of our families. By working together we can expand our Faith into the communities, help the less fortunate, assist in religious education, provide opportunities for Retreats, and generate resources for the maintenance and growth of our Episcopate. Only as an organized group can we meet the challenges in today’s society.
The aim of A.R.F.O.R.A. is to bring the women together to fully participate in the life of the Church, and to speak out as the voice of the women in the Episcopate. With God’s guidance all our efforts will be accomplished.
ARFORA Documents
- ARFORA By-Laws: English / Romanian
- ARFORA Guide Book: English / Romanian
- ARFORA Pamphlet: We are ARFORA / Noi suntem ARFORA
- ARFORA Booklet: Let's Talk Abuse / Să vorbim despre Abuz
- The 2021 ARFORA National Congress Convocation: CLICK HERE
ARFORA Projects & Scholarships
ARFORA PROJECTS
ST. ELIZABETH PROJECT
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As a way to remember the work and dedication of the widowed Preotese (priest wives) of the Episcopate, each year, A.R.F.O.R.A. sends each of them a greeting card and small monetary gift at Christmas, Pascha (Easter) and the Feast of St. Parascheva. Please continue to pray for these exceptional women who sacrificed much together with their husbands in service to Christ and His Church. |
ST. PARASCHEVA PROJECT
In an effort to assist with the missionary outreach of the Episcopate, each ladies auxiliary is invited to hold at least one fundraiser during the year, the profits from which they are asked to send to the Episcopate's Department of Missions to be used to support the needs of newly-forming parishes across the country. The funds go toward religious objects for the holy services, service books, clergy vestments, and supplementing clergy salaries where needed.
"SHARE THE WEALTH" PROJECT
Recognizing our call to Christian stewardship and sharing the talents and blessings given to us by God, A.R.F.O.R.A. invites ladies auxiliaries to "Share the Wealth" by holding a fundraiser and sending A.R.F.O.R.A. a percentage of the profits. A.R.F.O.R.A., in turn, contributes a percentage of the portion they receive to an annually designated charitable cause. This year we decided to contribute to “Vatra Generation” project.
INFORMATION BROCHURES
Caring for the needs and concerns of women, physically as well as spiritually, A.R.F.O.R.A. has developed informational brochures in both the English and Romanian languages concerning such topics as prayer and cancer.
GREAT LENT RETREATS
Recognizing the importance that all women have opportunities for spiritual nourishment, A.R.F.O.R.A. established that a spiritual retreat should be hosted by parishes/auxiliaries in each geographic area (or Deanery where convenient) on the Fifth Saturday of Great Lent each year. These events are usually open to all women, and even men in many cases, and everyone is encouraged to participate in them.
SCHOLARSHIPS
A.R.F.O.R.A./MARTHA GAVRILA SCHOLARSHIP FOR WOMEN
The A.R.F.O.R.A./Martha Gavrila Scholarship for Women is offered to women in post-graduate studies. It was established in memory of Mrs. Martha Gavrila, long-time president of A.R.F.O.R.A. who worked tirelessly for the Episcopate and Vatra Românească. The first scholarship was awarded at the 1985 A.R.F.O.R.A. Congress held at St. Mary Church in Chicago, Illinois. The sum of $1000.00 may be awarded annually to a selected student.
CLICK HERE to download the Application Form & Requirements.
A.R.F.O.R.A. UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP FOR WOMEN
The A.R.F.O.R.A. Undergraduate Scholarship for Women was offered for the first time in 1994. A scholarship of $1000.00 may be awarded annually to selected students who have successfully completed their first year of an undergraduate program.
CLICK HERE to download the Application Form & Requirements.
A.R.F.O.R.A. HELEN MUNTEAN EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP FOR WOMEN
The A.R.F.O.R.A. Helen Muntean Education Scholarship for Women is a scholarship of $1000.00 that may be awarded annually to women who are working toward a career in teaching.
CLICK HERE to download the Application Form & Requirements.
SPIRITUAL ADVISOR
Rev Fr Sabin Pop
1323 ASHBOURNE RD
ELKINS PARK PA 19027-2678
(248) 808-2465
sabinpop14[at]yahoo[dot]com
PRESIDENT
Lucy Pop***
1341 HILLSIDE RD
NORTHBROOK IL 60062
(847) 480-0173 / (708) 601-0006
lucypop53[at]yahoo[dot]com
VICE PRESIDENT
Louise Gibb**
1664 Tanglewood Dr
Youngstown OH 44505
(330) 550-0696
louisegibb[at]roadrunner[dot]com
SECRETARY
Adela M. Price*
222 OCEAN PARK DR
NEW CASTLE PA 16105
(724) 652-4313 / (724) 202-9214
adelap[at]verizon[dot]net
TREASURER
Adelina Balog**
764 S MITCHELL AVE
ELMHURST IL 60126
(630) 699-1072
adelina_balog[at]hotmail[dot]com
AUDITORS
Mary D. Sankey*
3235 GREENTREE CIR
NEW CASTLE PA 16105
(724) 652-0903 / (724) 730-9248
marysankey[at]verizon[dot]net
Denisa Ilea
228 PROSPECT AVE.
WOOD DALE, IL 60191
(Cell) (630) 290-5592
denisa_david[at]yahoo[dot]com
MEMBERS AT LARGE
St Paraschiva Missions
Denisa Ilea
228 PROSPECT AVE.
WOOD DALE, IL 60191
(Cell) (630) 290-5592
denisa_david@yahoo.com
St. Elizabeth Project
Dorina D Riscutta
23468 Lorain Rd #312
North Olmsted OH 44070
(440) 777-0862 / (440) 454-1435
driscuttad[at]yahoo[dot]com
Scholarships
Joanna Tatomir
7150 COPPER CREEK CT
YPSILANTI MI 48197
(734) 262-4714
jtatomir[at]umich[dot]edu
ARFORA Packets / Fundraising / Publications
Louise Gibb
1664 Tanglewood Dr
Youngstown OH 44505
(330) 448-6939
louisegibb[at]roadrunner[dot]com
Website
Joanna Tatomir
7150 COPPER CREEK CT
YPSILANTI MI 48197
(734) 262-4714
jtatomir[at]umich[dot]edu
Membership & Communication
Ioana Mihailescu
11 N COUNTRY CLUB RD
DECATUR IL 62521
(630) 303-0475
ioana1621[at]gmail[dot]com
***Ex-Officio Church Congress Delegate
**Church Congress Delegates
*Church Congress Alternates