ARFORA is the Romanian acronym for what translates to the Association of Romanian Orthodox Ladies Auxiliaries of North America. The group is the longest established international women's organization of the Orthodox Churches with membership in Canada and the United States. It was founded in 1938 as an auxiliary of the Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of North America.

The organization's purpose is to strengthen, propagate and preserve the Orthodox Christian faith and to undertake religious, charitable and cultural projects defined and approved by the Episcopate.

Archbishop Nathaniel, formerly the pastor of Holy Cross, will attend the meetings. He will celebrate the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on June 2.

The weekend congress also includes a dinner dance open to the public on the evening of June 1 in the church. Reservations are needed.

Louise Gibb, ARFORA's national president who lives in Brookfield, will preside over the weekend congress. Adela M. Price of New Castle is national vice president and president of the local Holy Cross chapter. The Rev. Constantine Tofan, formerly of Canton, Ohio, is spiritual adviser.

Violet Kaibas of Farrell and Mary Sankey of New Castle are co-chairwomen of the weekend congress. Ms. Price, Helen Moga of Hubbard; and the Rev. David Subu, pastor of Holy Cross Orthodox, and his wife Stephanie Subu are committee chairpersons.

Information or dinner dance reservations: (724) 346-3151.