INSIDE:

• Upcoming Dates to Remember
• ACYOA YouTube Contest!
• ACYOA Chapter Workshop: January 14-16, 2011
• Battle of the November Dances - St. Sahag & Mesrob Armenian Church, Providence, RI, ACYOA.
• Battle of the November Dances - St. John Armenian Church, Detroit, MI ACYOA
• Battle of the November Dances - St. Mark Armenian Church, Springfield, MA ACYOA
• Chapter Spotlight: St. Sahag & Mesrob ACYOA, Providence, RI
• Good luck from Central Council!
• Why January 6th and not December 25th?
• Chapter Spotlight: a special Sports Weekend article
• At Annual Chapter Workshop, ACYOA Members Reflect on Mission of Organization, Perform Service Project
• Chapter Spotlight: St. Sahag & Mesrob Church ACYOA, Racine, WI.
• Hot Topics
• ACYOA National Lenten Retreat
• ACYOA Alumni Ball Wrap-up
• CENTRAL COUNCIL WELCOMES NEW DIOCESAN VICAR
• Vemkar
• Hand-in-Hand Committee
• HUGE SportsWeekend Update
• Newly Elected ACYOA Central Council has first meeting of year
• Summer interns work at FAR Children's Center
• St. Nersess Summer Conferences continue to enrich the youth of Diocese
• Chapter Spotlight: St. Mesrob Armenian Church, Racine, WI
• Reflection on Pilgrimage to Jerusalem
• Good Luck from Central Council
• ACYOA Young Adult Leadership Conference: Let Love In
• Central Council meets in Chicago
• Chapter spotlight: Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Cheltenham, PA
• From the Desk of the Chairperson of the ACYOA
• 2011 Leadership Conference helps participants "Let Love In"
• ACYOA has shaped me into the person I AM
• Chapter Spotlight: St. Gregory, White Plains, NY
• 4th annual Chapter Workshop planned for January 13-15, 2012
• Good Luck, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Central Council
• ACYOA sponsoring Alternative Spring Break
• Explore your roots with the Armenia Service Program
• Chapter Workshop focuses on strengthening chapters
• 3rd Annual ACYOA Alumni Ball – February 11
• Lenten Regional Retreat set for March 3 in Bayside, NY
• ACYOA welcomes newly formed Charlotte Chapter
• ACYOA sponsoring summer internship at FAR Children's Center in Yerevan, Armenia
• ACYOA Regional Retreat planned in Evanston, Illinois
• Diocese/AGBU to host 8 week summer internship in New York City
• 2012 General Assembly and Sports Weekend hosted by St. Gregory in Chicago, Illinois
• Follow the St. Vartan Camp Alumni Group on Facebook
• 2012 ACYOA Sports Weekend Registration is available online
• Take Part in an ACYOA Tradition: the Sports Weekend Ad-Book
• General Assembly and Sports Weekend Update
• Springfield Chapter hosting Diocesan Assembly Spring Dance
• Midwest Spring Retreat Makes Disciples of Participants
• Central Council Members Present Check to Jerusalem Patriarchate
• ACYOA Members Discover Armenia Through Service Program
• Central Council Welcomes Two New Members
• Spots Remain for St. Nersess Post-High School Summer Conference
• Chapter Spotlight: St. Mesrob ACYOA Gets a Head Start on Holiday Season
• ACYOA Central Council Looks Forward to Fall Programs
• ACYOA to Sponsor New England Fall Retreat
• ACYOA's Annual Leadership Conference Set for November
• A Reflection From Der Yeprem: Kudzu and Speeding Tickets
• Chapter Spotlight: St. Mesrob ACYOA Gets a Head Start on Holiday Season
• One month until Leadership Conference!

• June 14, 2013 - June 16, 2013: Chapter Workshop
  , Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL
• July 1, 2013 - July 20, 2013: Armenian Service Project (ASP)
  Diocese of the Armenian Church, New York, NY

WHAT DOES ACYOA MEAN TO YOU?

Read the complete article here.

Chapter leaders are encouraged to attend the ACYOA Chapter Workshop being held on January 14-16 at St. David Armenian Church in Boca Raton, FL. Now in its third year, the workshop is specifically designed for those who serve as executive officers of their local ACYOA chapter. It is also open to those who hale from parishes with no ACYOA chapter, but who are committed to establishing one. This is the perfect venue to get 'how-to' information and ask questions about the functions and mission of the ACYOA.

Read the complete article here.

This past November, over 250 guests packed the Hanoian Hall at St. Sahag & Mesrob Armenian Church, with everyone dancing until 2am!

Read the complete article here.

Detroit's "November Dance: Fall Fantasy" hosted by the St. John's ACYOA Seniors was a smashing success once again this year. Held at St. John’s Armenian Cultural Hall, the event brought together over 300 ACYOA members, other local Armenian youth, and out-of-town visitors from all over the Midwest and as far away as Massachusetts and California.

Read the complete article here.

For the 3rd year in a row, the band was comprised of All-Star musicians hailing from New England...

Read the complete article here.

With flu season in full swing, the Providence ACYOA decided to do their best to keep the viral disease at a minimum; and what better way to contribute to the fight against influenza than to sponsor a free Flu Shot Clinic?

Read the complete article here.

We wish all of our college students a productive and fruitful second semester. Study hard, be responsible and do your best! If you ever need guidance, want to attend Holy Badarak or get a hankering to be with other Armenians, remember ACYOA Central Council can direct you to the nearest Armenian Church and ACYOA Chapter.

Read the complete article here.

How many times have you been asked why Armenians celebrate Christmas on the 6th of January or, "If Jesus was born on December 25th, then why do you celebrate on January 6th?", or "why do the Greek Orthodox observe January 7th?" For the very sophisticated, another question worth pondering would be why the Armenians in Jerusalem observe January 19th as the day of Theophany. So, are there 4 dates for the celebration of Christmas? What gives?

Read the complete article here.

Old City, Philly Food Tour and more.

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Members of the ACYOA gathered in the warm, palm-dotted environs of southeast Florida for the third annual Chapter Workshop, held at the St. David Church of Boca Raton, January 14-16. More than 30 young adults, representing 13 Diocesan parishes, participated in the weekend-long program.

Read the complete article here.

The past holiday season was an active one for the St. Mesrob Church, Racine ACYOA. Its members were busy with their ministry in many aspects - everything from serving to leading, and of course, helping others.

Read the complete article here.

Holy Martyrs ACYOA digs into a Hot topics session with Fr. Daniel Findikyan, Dean of St. Nersess Seminary.

Read the complete article here.

Join us as we search for answers to these and other questions about prayer at a weekend retreat sponsored by the ACYOA Central Council for young adults.

Read the complete article here.

The Central Council teamed up with the St. Gregory ACYOA to host the second annual ball on February 12, 2011, in White Plains, NY.

Read the complete article here.

The ACYOA Central Council is pleased to welcome the Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian, the newly-appointed Diocesan Vicar, as the Primate’s liaison to the Council. He will be presiding over Central Council meetings, serving as their pastoral advisor and will work with Executive Secretary Nancy Basmajian on many aspects of the day-to-day management of the ACYOA.

Read the complete article here.

The Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America is pleased to announce VEMKAR — a new mobile application for the IPhone and IPod touch.

Read the complete article here.

The Hand-in-Hand committee is putting together a documentary about the supply drive efforts of ACYOA chapters across the Diocese, and we want YOU to be included!

Read the complete article here.

ATTENTION ALL MEMBERS - Read the complete article for the update!

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The ACYOA Central Council had its first meeting of the year on June 25, where they reviewed the 2011 General Assembly and Sports Weekend (held in May in Philadelphia), and focused on new programming initiatives.
In discussions with Diocesan Primate Archbishop Khajag Barsamian; Diocesan Vicar, the Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian; the Rev. Fr. Vasken Kouzouian; the Diocese’s executive director Michael Guglielmo; and ACYOA Executive Secretary Nancy Basmajian, Central Council members explored ways to engage more young people in the life of the Armenian Church. The Central Council will meet next on Saturday, September 24 in Chicago, IL.

Read the complete article here.

At the 2010 ACYOA General Assembly, the delegation passed a motion to assist the Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR). Since then, the ACYOA Central Council and the FAR Hand in Hand committee have created several programs to assist FAR, including an eight week summer internship at the FAR Children's Center in Yerevan, Armenia. This summer, three members of the Eastern Diocese participated in the internship; Crystal Densmore, Tatevik Khoja-Eynatyan and Krista Tyner.

Read the complete article here.

St. Nersess Armenian Seminary is an essential institution not only for the clergy and lay leadership that graduate and serve the Diocese, but also for the youth summer conferences. The conferences have attracted thousands of teenagers and college-age students over the past fifty years to explore their faith and the heritage of the Armenian Church in a unique environment. Clergy and lay church leaders instruct the participants in the fundamentals of the Armenian Church’s faith and traditions, and encourage discussion about issues important to young people. St. Nersess makes daily worship, Bible Study, and Armenian language instruction appealing and fun. In addition, sports, day-trips, home-cooked meals, and indescribable St. Nersess traditions make for a well-rounded and innovative experience where young people make deep and long lasting friendships.

Read the complete article here.

On Saturday, September 10, about a dozen youth "descended on" one of our older parishioners homes. Usually, we go with a smaller group to make visits and take choreg and cheer. This time, we were on a "mission." The insurance company of this elder was going to cancel his home insurance unless certain things were taken care of. The garage had to be fixed, trees and vines had to come away from the home and a few other repairs were needed. Six of our ACYOA seniors transformed the garage into the way it had looked decades ago. The ACYOA juniors with their adult advisors worked on the greenery and hauled away truck loads of branches and vines. Other small repairs were also done.

But the real beauty of the day was that the youth took turns going into the home, sitting and talking with our elderly parishioner. He is still glowing about what happened that day. He said, "Der Hayr, I wake up in the middle of the night and just stare at it. Thank the kids for me again."

Read the complete article here.

Karen Dardarian, Vice Chairperson of the ACYOA Central Council reflects on the "Leadership in the Light of Our Lord" pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

Read the complete article here.

Wishing everyone a productive fall!

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The ACYOA Central Council is sponsoring a Leadership Conference from November 4-6 at the Don Bosco Retreat Center in Stony Point, New York. The Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan, Dean of St. Nersess Armenian Seminary, will serve as conference chaplain. The conference is open to all young adults 18 and older.
For more information, or for registration forms go to: http://www.acyoa.org/programs/lc.php

Read the complete article here.

On Saturday, September 24, the ACYOA Central Council met at St. Gregory Armenian Church in Chicago, IL.
 Council members presented strategic plans for 2011-12, including ideas for chapter development initiatives, faith-based programs, and service project and discussed how they will proceed with these plans in the coming months.



Read the complete article here.

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
2 Timothy 3:17

We all know the undoubted value of social gatherings and events: networking, enforcing a sense of community, promoting our culture and fun are among the motives. The Holy Trinity ACYOA Seniors of Cheltenham, PA have found another way to connect with each other—a monthly young adult Bible Study.

Hosted by our pastor, the Rev. Fr. Hakob Gevorgyan, each month a group of young adults gather at church for a few hours to read, talk and ask questions about the Bible. “As pastor of Holy Trinity, I am blessed to have such nice ACYOA members with whom I started Bible Study. All of them are very spiritual, intelligent and active adults. Bible Study is a unique way for me to interact with them, to teach them and to learn from them. I believe that in this way we can come to know each other, to share our spiritual experiences and to serve our God and Church in a better way,” says Der Hakob.

Even though parishioners hear weekly sermons at Badarak and may read Scripture on their own, Bible Study allows individuals to openly discuss and understand relevant passages, bringing meaning and context to what we believe and practice as Armenian Orthodox Christians. The small setting also allows the young adults to relate lessons to their daily lives and truly bond with one another on a different level. Participant Diana Lulejian says, “Coming together once a month with my contemporaries to discuss God’s Word has been more rewarding with Der Hakob than with any previous studies in my past. There’s a connection because we all seem to match each other equally; we’re close in age, have the same ethnicity and we all grew up in the same church. We come from different families but we all relate as one new family.”


Submitted by Nadia Silk, Chapter Chair

Read the complete article here.

To My Fellow ACYOA Members,

As I’m sure many of you have heard that Gevork Vartanian of the Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church in Providence, RI has resigned his position from the ACYOA Central Council due to career obligations. Our Primate, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian has, with regret accepted his resignation.

Gevork joined the Central Council in April of 2009 when he stepped in to complete the term of another Central Council member who had resigned. He was then elected to a two-year term in May of 2010, and has served diligently both as Programming Coordinator and Secretary. Gev was also instrumental in preparing the newly revised bylaws for the ACYOA. Gevork has been a member of the ACYOA for many years, and I’m confident that he will continue to actively be involved in the organization. I speak for all of my fellow Central Council members in telling you that we have enjoyed working with him and we are sad to see him go. Gev, thank you for your years of service to the ACYOA and best of luck with all of your future endeavors.

Filling his place will be Armen Terjimanian of St. Mary Church in Washington, DC. Armen was the duly elected alternate and will finish Gevork's term, which ends at the 2012 ACYOA General Assembly. Armen, we look forward to working with you and welcome to Central Council.

Respectfully,

Danny Mantis, Chair, ACYOA Central Council

Read the complete article here.

More than 70 young adults representing 23 parishes attended the 2011 Leadership Conference held at the Don Bosco Retreat Center in Stony Point, New York from November 4-6. Themed “Let Love In,” participants examined how Christ calls his followers to serve through love and discussed their roles in answering the call as leaders in the ACYOA and the church. Also joining the ACYOA members were representatives from the Coptic and Indian Orthodox Churches.

Read the complete article here.

By: Karen Dardarian, Central Council Vice Chair
St. John’s Church, Detroit, MI

A couple of weeks ago during a job interview, I mentioned that I would need one weekend off every month because I was involved on a national level with my church youth organization. The interviewer looked at me like I was crazy. At the end of the interview she asked me how important my involvement in the organization was and if it meant a lot to me. I gave her that same look she gave me—I thought she was crazy for asking me the question. I looked at her and in three words I said, "It's my life."

On the way home I reflected on my involvement in the ACYOA and its impact on my life. Since I was a young teenager I have been active in the organization. Throughout the years I have gained memories, achieved many goals, and built long lasting friendships. Being part of the ACYOA has shaped me into the person I AM.

In my family, the ACYOA goes back three generations, and I want to carry on that worthy tradition. My grandparents were actively involved in the ACYOA when it was organized in 1946. My great aunt and uncle both served on early Central Councils, helping build the structure of the organization. My parents, aunts and uncles followed suit and were active as young adults. My own mother was honored with the Sam Nersesian Award, which is given to an individual who has displayed the Christian values of love, patience, and understanding. Just last year, I was also privileged to receive that same award. Following in my family's footsteps is an amazing feeling and gives me a sense of pride.

My strong connection with the Church is because of the ACYOA. It has shaped me into the person I AM. It has brought me closer to God, to my Church and my Armenian community. I also believe it is very important to connect with the older generation. One special individual in my life was Araxie Andonian, who passed away last year. I called her my grandma, my Foxy Roxy. It all started during our ACYOA Juniors Fish Dinners where we would have short meaningful conversations; these turned into a grandmother-granddaughter-like bond. From then on, every Sunday after church, we would sit together and talk, thus building a friendship in which her wise words spoke to me.

ACYOA has been a huge part of my life for many years. The experiences I have encountered have and will continue to be very rewarding. I have learned so much about myself and about my relationship with God. I always look forward to the next program or event, not only to see my friends, but to build new relationships. Serving on Central Council has blessed me with the opportunity to spread God's love to the youth; helping bring Armenian young people together in conjunction with the life of the Church. There are so many factors in the outside world that pull our youth away, but the ACYOA brings the youth back to the Church. Being on Central Council and setting an example for the youth is very important to me. It is a big responsibility, making decisions and trying our best to improve the organization.

Thanksgiving is a time to remember and give thanks for the blessings in our lives. I truly do not know what my life would be like without ACYOA. One of my favorite quotes is from Archbishop Sion Manoogian who, in 1950, said: "Remember your fore-fathers suffered many persecutions to make possible the Christian privileges and opportunities you now enjoy. Let them not have suffered in vain. Take the torch of your ancestors and strive onward with it. It is a precious heritage." Let's give thanks for our ancestors for they have set an example that has been passed down for many years, they have been an influence in my life decisions.

This Thanksgiving I'm thankful for what the ACYOA has done for my life;
It has shaped me into the person I AM.

I AM ARMENIAN.
I AM CHRISTIAN.
I AM THANKFUL.

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In mid-June, the Kurkjian family very graciously opened their home to the ACYOA Juniors and Seniors for a movie night. As the group gathered to watch a movie, we also outlined and had a discussion on key points in the movie that tied to religious lessons. The chapter met again at the Kurkjian home in September for a "Young Members of St. Gregory BBQ" in an effort to encourage ACYOA members to become voting members of the parish.

Our chapter has heartily started planning for a January “Knjook Night.” Using last year’s well-received Alumni Ball as a starting point, the members of the ACYOA have already created groups for the many areas of preparation; namely, decorating, public relations, entertainment, and arguably the most important element of all: food. In the weeks forgoing the event, our chapter will join together in a family cooking night to prepare small dishes for the event and hopefully pick up a few hints to creating successful Armenian meals.

Armenian Language Classes commenced on Thursday, September 29. An outstanding majority of our members saw the benefit of focusing on conversational Armenian, and we look forward to improving our verbal skills with Der Karekin. This class takes place every other Thursday evening.


Written by: Nadia Basil, Corresponding Secretary, St. Gregory ACYOA Srs.

Read the complete article here.

The ACYOA Central Council is sponsoring the 4th annual Chapter Workshop at St. David Armenian Church in Boca Raton, Florida from January 13-15, 2012. The workshop will focus on the basics of being an ACYOA leader and working together to build a vibrant and successful organization.

Read the complete article here.

The ACYOA Central Council wishes the best of luck to all students during finals. We also wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

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Looking for a change of pace in your spring break plans? An “Alternative Spring Break” is being planned for March 17-24, 2012. The ACYOA is partnering with Habitat for Humanity and their annual Collegiate Challenge to give college students from around the country the opportunity to build affordable housing for a needy family in Buffalo, New York. Join our team and Chaplain Leader, Rev. Fr. Stepanos Doudoukjian, for a life-changing experience putting your faith into action.

Read the complete article here.

The ACYOA Central Council is once again sponsoring the Armenia Service Program (ASP) for young adults 18-28. The trip will take place from June 29-July 19, 2012. Participants will have the opportunity to see much of Armenia and also serve the country in a variety of ways.

Read the complete article here.

Thirty-five ACYOA members from parishes across the Eastern Diocese gathered in Boca Raton, Fla., earlier this month for the ACYOA's fourth annual Chapter Workshop, hosted by St. David Armenian Church. The January 13-15 workshop with the theme "We're All in This Together," aimed to provide an interactive atmosphere for participants to share successes, struggles, and advice on how to nurture and build their respective ACYOA parish chapters while also providing opportunities for service, worship and Christian fellowship.

Read the complete article here.

CALLING ALL ALUMNI, CURRENT AND FUTURE MEMBERS OF THE ACYOA!

The ACYOA of St. Mary in Washington, D.C., is hosting the third annual Alumni Ball on Saturday, February 11. The Alumni Ball will feature the Philadelphia All Stars Armenian band with special guest Gregory Vosbikian. Tickets are only $25 with a reservation by February 10 or $30 at the door. For reservations email St. Mary ACYOA Chairperson, Aras Mermer at amermer@bostonproperties.com.

Read the complete article here.

The ACYOA Central Council is sponsoring a one day Lenten Retreat for young adults in the New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania region. The day-long program will be hosted by the newly-formed ACYOA Chapter of Holy Martyrs Armenian Church in Bayside, New York on Saturday, March 3. The theme is The Call to Serve: Ministry of the Faithful.

Read the complete article here.

On January 18, St. Sarkis Armenian Church in Charlotte, North Carolina officially formed an ACYOA chapter. The newly formed chapter has been active for nearly two months and already has several events upcoming. Some activities include; distributing sandwiches to the homeless in downtown Charlotte, volunteering at a local soup kitchen and a regional event with youth from St. James in Richmond, Virginia.

If you would like to form a chapter in your parish, visit http://www.acyoa.org/chapters/form.php for more information or contact ACYOA Executive Secretary Nancy Basmajian at acyoa@armeniandiocese.org or 212-293-1248.

“I urge every parish to try and form an ACYOA chapter; it doesn’t matter if you have only five people.” said Daniel Zalinov, Charlotte’s chairperson. “Armenian youth tend to gravitate towards each other. What better way is there to congregate than in an organization that incorporates our faith and our culture into our friendships?”

Read the complete article here.

The ACYOA Central Council is offering young adults ages 20 and older a unique hands-on learning experience: a ten-week internship opportunity (May 29-August 8) at the FAR Children’s Support Center in Yerevan, Armenia for the summer of 2012. The center is one of the many projects of the Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR) which is partnering with the ACYOA. Another partner in this important initiative is Birthright Armenia. The center provides psycho-social and medical treatment to children (ages 3-18),
including those who are: homeless, abandoned, neglected, abused, and much more.

Read the complete article here.

The ACYOA Central Council is sponsoring a one day regional retreat in the Chicago-land area. The day-long program will be hosted by the St. James Chapter of Evanston, IL on April 14. The theme is “The Call to Serve: Ministry of the Faithful.” Many best-selling books offer advice on how to “get” the most out of life, but that’s not the reason God created us. We were designed to “add” to life on earth, not just take from it. God wants us to give something back, to make a difference—and that is called our “ministry.”
All young adults, 18 years old and over, are encouraged to attend. There is no registration fee; however, we ask that you register by sending an email message no later than April 9 to acyoa@armeniandiocese.org.

Read the complete article here.

The Eastern Diocese is once again working in partnership with the AGBU New York Summer Intern Program to offer an eight-week internship (tentative dates are June 17-August 11) at the Diocese for young adults between the ages of 19 and 26. According to individual career goals, interns may choose to work in areas such as communications, finance, development, Christian education, youth ministry, Armenian studies, music, or with the Fund for Armenian Relief.

The Diocesan interns will be part of the AGBU New York Summer Intern Program, participating in the AGBU orientation, be housed with other AGBU interns in New York University dormitories, and engage in various AGBU-sponsored educational, cultural, and social activities that highlight current Armenian topics. The Diocese however, will supervise and guide their work, while offering other appropriate career, educational and leadership growth opportunities such as Bible studies, language classes and excursions.

All application and participation fees (as well as housing) will be covered by the Diocese; the deadline for applications is April 30, 2012. For more information or to receive an application, contact ACYOA Executive Secretary Nancy Basmajian at acyoa@armeniandiocese.org or 212-293-1248.

Read the complete article here.

The 2012 ACYOA Sports Weekend committee is hard at work ironing out the details of the annual Memorial Day Weekend events. St. Gregory Armenian Church of Chicago, Illinois will host the 2012 General Assembly and Sports Weekend from May 24-28. The committee of young adults from around the Chicago-land area have chosen “We're on a Mission from God,” as the theme of the weekend.
Participants will stay at the Sax Hotel in downtown Chicago (www.hotelsaxchicago.com).

This year the Sports Weekend committee is proud to debut the first ever electronic registration process which is scheduled to launch April 1, 2012.

If you have not already please follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/AcyoaGeneralAssemblyAndSportsWeekend2012

More details will soon be avaible on the ACYOA website.

Read the complete article here.

The Ararat Center Advisory Committee is pleased to announce the newly formed St. Vartan Camp Alumni Group—an organization that will allow camp alumni to connect with each other, and to extend support to the camp program throughout the year.
“St. Vartan Camp holds a special place in my heart,” said Alumni Group chair Talene Metjian, whose father, the late Rev. Fr. Paree Metjian, was instrumental in founding the camp. “As a child, I looked forward to attending every summer, seeing old friends, and
meeting new people from other parts of the Eastern Diocese. We shared many specials moments, and I still have great friendships that started at St. Vartan Camp. This new Alumni Group offers an excellent opportunity for all of us to reconnect.”

Housed at the Diocese’s Ararat Center in upstate New York, St. Vartan Camp offers children and students ages 8 to 15 religious and cultural instruction, as well as a variety of athletic and social activities. Some 500 campers, counselors, and volunteers take part
in the program each summer.

The new Alumni Group aims to bring together former campers for fellowship and to brainstorm ways the community can support the future growth of St. Vartan Camp. The group’s Facebook page gives alumni a platform for posting updates and following
news about the camp and Ararat Center. Visit the St. Vartan Camp Alumni Group on Facebook (www.facebook.com/pages/St-Vartan-Camp-Alumni-Association/261169463950852)

Read the complete article here.

For the first time, the General Assembly and Sports Weekend registration is exclusively online. To register for the weekend, use the following link: www.chicagosportsweekend.com
If you have any questions, please contact the Sports Weekend committee at: chicagosw2012@gmail.com

Read the complete article here.

Dear Friend of the ACYOA,

We are happy to announce that the 2012 ACYOA General Assembly and National Sports Weekend will be held from May 24-28, 2012, in Chicago!

Accommodations have been secured at the Sax Hotel in downtown Chicago. The ACYOA of St. Gregory the Illuminator Church will be hosting this year’s gathering in partnership with the surrounding Chicagoland churches. We are especially excited to be taking on this challenge because being involved in the ACYOA has taught us how to become active members of the Armenian Church, and we want to work to make that same experience of fellowship possible for ACYOA members today. Our efforts to make this weekend successful signify our small contribution to the success of the Armenian Church Youth Organization, through which so many Armenian youth have become stronger in their faith.

Past weekends have been a success because of the generous donations from friends of the ACYOA. This weekend is considerable undertaking and depends so much on your support.
If you would like to make a contribution, please download the Ad Book form on the ACYOA website. With a donation you will be given the option to place an advertisement, a message in honor of a loved one or support of your favorite team in our weekend booklet. Sponsorship opportunities are also available if you would like to help underwrite the cost of a specific event.

For questions and/or additional information please feel free to contact the committee at Chicagosw2012@gmail.com. Thank you for your time, consideration and continued support of the ACYOA.

Sincerely,

Shant Paklaian & Sam Mrofcza 2012 Sports Weekend Co-Chairs

TO DOWNLOAD THE FORM CLICK "READ THE COMPLETE ARTICLE HERE."

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ATTENTION ALL MEMBERS - Read the complete article for the update!

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Join the St. Mark ACYOA chapter for the 110th Diocesan Assembly Spring Dance on Saturday May 5th
from 9 pm to 1 am. The dance will be held at the Marriott Hotel in Windsor, Connecticut. The price of admission is only $30 for adults and $25 for students, which includes a live band featuring; Brian Ansbigian, Bob Raphalian, Kenny Kalajian and Jason Naroian. For more information please contact Talene Jermakian at talenej@hotmail.com.

Read the complete article here.

On Saturday, April 14, young adults from the midwest took part in a one day spring retreat at St. James Armenian Church in Evanston, IL. The day focused on understanding lay ministry, and participants had the opportunity to explore this topic through Bible study, discussion, and reflection.
 Retreat sessions were led by the Rev. Fr. Hovhan Khoja-Eynatyan, pastor of St. James, Rev. Fr. Yeprem Kelegian, pastor of St. Mesrob Church of Racine, WI; and Nancy Basmajian, ACYOA executive secretary. Some 20 people took part in the daylong program.

"This retreat helped me reflect on my spiritual discipline and discipleship,” said Arie Zakaryan of St. James Church.

Interested in having a regional retreat in your area? Please contact ACYOA executive secretary Nancy Basmajian at acyoa@armeniandiocese.org

Read the complete article here.

On June 14, the ACYOA Central Council presented a check for $1,000 to the Jerusalem Patriarchate. Central Council members Olivia Derderian, Ani Grigorian and Jonathan Pelaez delivered the check to Archbishop Nourhan Manougian, Grand Sacristan of the Armenian Patriarchate and Patriarchal Vicar, who expressed his appreciation for the ACYOA’s donation.

Read the complete article here.

Twenty young adults from parishes across the Eastern Diocese helped serve their homeland during the ACYOA’s Armenian Service Program June 29-July 19. The young Armenians, led by Rev. Fr. Hakob Gevorgyan of Holy Trinity Church, Cheltenham, Pa., traveled throughout the country, visiting sites from Yerevan to Holy Etchmiadzin and also served their fellow Armenians by working with the Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR) as volunteers at the Octet Music School and FAR Soup Kitchen in Gyumri. For more information and a photo gallery, read an article detailing the ASP participants journey on the Eastern Diocese’s website.

Read the complete article here.

The 2012-2013 ACYOA Central Council formally met for the first time on June 9, which was also the first meeting for council members secretary Ani Grigorian of St. Mesrob Church, Racine, WI, and treasurer Jonathan Pelaez, St. Mary Church, Livingston, NJ, both of whom were elected during the 2012 ACYOA General Assembly and Sports Weekend in Chicago in May. Both Ani and Jon have been deeply involved with the ACYOA for many years and hope to continue to serve the Armenian Church in their new roles.

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Attention college-age ACYOA members! Have you been delaying your end-of-summer plans waiting for something incredible to come along? Today is your lucky day! Limited space is available for the St. Nersess Post-High School Summer Conference, August 10-17! Co-directed by the V. Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan and Dn. Benjamin Rith-Najarian, this conference will give you the opportunity to see old friends, make new ones, and re-energize your spirit before you head off to school for the fall. Download the application form now! For further information contact the Seminary at info@stnersess.edu or by phone at (914) 636-2003.

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With summer behind us, and the leaves changing for the fall season, the St. Mesrob Racine chapter is staying busy to make sure that their community is served as the holiday season is not too far out of reach. The giving season starts out working with Habitat for Humanity-Racine; which is the non-profit organization devoted to building simple, decent, and affordable housing. Following this is help those in need at a local soup kitchen, serving those who are stopping by for a simple meal.

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The ACYOA Central Council met on Saturday, September 15, at the Church of the Holy Martyrs in Bayside, NY. The Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian, Diocesan Vicar, presided over the meeting. ACYOA executive secretary Nancy Basmajian was also in attendance.

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The ACYOA will host the New England Fall Retreat on Saturday, October 20, 2012, at St. James Church in Watertown, MA. The retreat's theme will focus on "The Call to Serve: The Ministry of the Faithful."

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The annual ACYOA Leadership Conference will take place November 9-11, 2012, at the Don Bosco Retreat Center in Stony Point, NY.

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This month, we invite you to take time and read a reflection from Der Yeprem Kelegian, pastor of St. Mesrob Church of Racine, WI, on politics, loyalty and respect.

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Crystal Densmore, St. Mesrob ACYOA Chair, highlights the happenings at her church's chapter in Racine, WI.

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The annual ACYOA Leadership Conference is a month away and we are looking forward to seeing everyone at the Don Bosco Retreat Center in Stony Point, NY! This year’s retreat will discuss the topic of Faith Literacy for Young Leaders.

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