Trip Dates – March 9-17, 2018

Trip Mission – The Romania Real Break trip is twofold: the first five days are spent in Valea Plopului and Valea Screzii, Romania at the Pro Vita Orphanage founded by Father Nicolae Tanase, a priest of the Romanian Orthodox Church. The second part of the trip is a two-day pilgrimage in Romania’s capital, Bucharest.  

Both parts of the trip offer something of great value for American Orthodox students.  The Pro Vita Orphanage is an opportunity to come outside yourself to learn to love as Christ loves and give of yourself to minister to “the least of these” (Matt. 25:40): the joy-filled children of the Pro Vita orphanage, which houses over 400 orphans. Together with the orphans, Pro Vita also houses women in crisis pregnancies who find support at Pro Vita as an alternative to having an abortion and a safe place for their babies.  Additionally, those abused or destitute also find a welcoming and supportive home in the Pro Vita village, where they’re integrated into the life of the community and the Church.

The last two days of the trip are spent on pilgrimage in Bucharest, giving American Orthodox OCF students an opportunity to experience an Orthodox country first-hand, venerate the Saints, and ask their intercession while visiting many of the beautiful churches and monasteries in historic Bucharest.  This part of the trip is also an eye-opening and enriching experience for American Orthodox used to being a tiny minority.

OCF students will work on maintenance projects at the orphanage and interact with the children who live there.  We will also worship with the children and lead them in evening prayers in the Pro Vita chapel in Valea Screzii.  No knowledge of Romanian is necessary.  One afternoon will also include a visit to a local monastery.  The OCF Romania Real Break trip can truly be a life-changing experience to deepen one’s love for God and neighbor.  As one alumna wrote, “Simply put, Real Break changed my life.”  

Real Break Romania 2018 Trip Packet

Real Break 2018 Payment and Liability Policies

Trip Deposit Required to Register – $200.00

Total Trip Cost – $2,500.00 (does not include domestic airfare to/from the Washington Dulles Airport)

If a registrant chooses to pay for their trip themselves, the balance of the registration cost may be paid for by visiting ocf.net/sponsor – and entering their name in the donation form.