At the National Young Adult Leadership Conference on February 4-6, 2000, His Eminence, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese, called a gathering of enthusiastic young adults in an effort to develop a new mission statement and direction for young adult ministry in the Diocese in the Armenian Church.

In a continued effort to meet the needs of young adults within the diocese, the Primate assigned the Central Council of the Armenian Church Youth Organization of America (ACYOA), and the directors of the Department of Youth Ministry to lead the innovative program.

Focusing on the five areas necessary for a complete youth ministry platform, worship, witness, service, education and fellowship, the Cross of Circles ensures that the ACYOA provides well-balanced programming that continues to pursue its mission of bringing youth of the Armenian Church closer to Christ.

WORSHIP
In worship we continually strengthen our relationship with God through our participation in the sacraments and communal and personal prayer.

Worship ties together the two-fold nature of both personal and communal worship, as well as being an integral member of our community as Armenian Christians. In our daily lives, worship takes a more informal role, especially by witnessing such faith in others, serving the faithful in the example of Jesus, educating fellow Christians in our beliefs, and most of all, engaging in constant fellowship towards our brothers and sisters in Christ.

WITNESS
In witness we share with others the light of our Lord and transform the world rather than conform to it. (Rm 12:2)”

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God – what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2

To share with others the light of Our Lord, by confronting the world, rather that conforming to

society. Faith through the Bible and the Church. Then we must take our knowledge of the Good News of the Gospels, and share it with our society through our actions; and, if necessary, through our words.

 EDUCATION
In education we learn the Holy Tradition of the Armenian Church and our Armenian heritage and integrate that knowledge into our lives.

“To continue the spiritual connection toward the Church and God during young adulthood through prayer and outreach;”

To ensure that the educational opportunities address the differences in cultural backgrounds and strengthen our commitment to learning.

SERVICE
In service we sacrifice ourselves and commit to God by using our gifts and talents to fulfill the needs of our parish and community.  

“I came to serve, not to be served.”

To become Christ-like, and to challenge the Youth to do the same, we must make an unconditional sacrifice and commitment to God by using our gifts and talents to serve our parishes, communities, and the needs of all people.

FELLOWSHIP
In fellowship we create and maintain relationships that nourish the Armenian Youth through their Christian faith and heritage.

The intent of fellowship is to bring young Armenians together and to nourish them in the faith of our forefathers under the dome of the Armenian Church.