National Fall Retreat
The ACYOA Seniors National Fall Retreat was introduced in Fall 2018 as a new program for young adults across the Eastern Diocese to connect and grow in their faith together. Participants are encouraged to attend this faith-filled retreat for a weekend of reflection and an escape from daily hectic life.
Register Now For 2024 Seniors National Fall Retreat!
Registration is live for the 2024 ACYOA Seniors National Fall Retreat! This weekend-long getaway rooted in faith formation, reflection and friendship is open to all young adults ages 18 & up across the United States. The retreat will be held Friday, November 8 (5pm) to Sunday, November 10 (2pm) at Camp Washington in Lakeside, Connecticut.
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We have an exciting weekend planned around the theme of Forgiveness, with engaging small and whole group discussions, time to explore the great outdoors, connections with Eastern Diocese clergy, and more!
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Registration for the retreat is free for all participants, who will be provided lodging, meals and snacks. Participants are responsible for their own transportation, and are encouraged to contact their local ACYOA chapters or parish leadership for assistance with travel costs.
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We ask that all participants, including clergy and youth advisors, to please register no later than Friday, October 25. Please consult the 2024 National Fall Retreat Fact Sheet for more details on the weekend, including arrival and departure information.
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The ACYOA Central Council will be reaching out to local clergy to assist us with leading prayer services and facilitating sessions. Please share this information with your parish communities, and if possible, please reach out personally to the young adults of your parish to join us!​
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Highlights from Previous National Fall Retreats
The 2023 ACYOA Seniors National Fall Retreat was held November 10-12 at the scenic St. Iakovos Retreat Center in Kansasville, WI. Close to forty young adults from nineteen parishes across the Eastern Diocese gathered for a weekend filled with prayer, meaningful discussions, reflections and friendship, focusing on the theme of Be a Witness. The weekend began with an opening dinner, icebreakers and Vespers service with a message offered by Fr. Avedis Kalayjian. Our participants were overjoyed to have our Primate of the Eastern Diocese, Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, with us Friday evening into Saturday, as they spent time hanging out and learning from him.
Saturday morning opened with Matins service and a message offered by Fr. Yeprem Kelegian. Bishop Mesrop led the first session of the day, focusing on "Witnessing Christ To Others." Bishop Mesrop spoke on his life journey to the priesthood, dissected Romans 12:2 and its application to how Armenian youth can be witnesses for Christ through our actions in daily life, and fielded questions from the group. The remaining sessions throughout the day and evening were a balance of small and whole group discussions led by the ACYOA Central Council members, including a special presentation by Sarah Stites from Ayo!. Sarah shared ways in which the group can be witnesses by supporting and advocating for ongoing Ayo! projects, including the current #ForArtsakhtsis relief campaign. During the day, participants enjoyed free time outdoors visiting the center's barn animals, exploring nature trails, playing music and more. The evening concluded with Vespers service and fellowship around a campfire.
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Sunday morning, Fr. Sahak Kashian, who served as the chaplain for the weekend, celebrated Divine Liturgy and offered an inspiring sermon on the Gospel reading and its connection to the weekend's theme. After brunch, participants gathered one more time for the closing session before saying their goodbyes.​​
​​The 2022 ACYOA Seniors National Fall Retreat was held November 11-13 at Camp Washington in Lakeside, Connecticut. Centered around the theme of "Seeking Purpose," ACYOA Seniors from over 15 parishes across the Eastern Diocese came together for a fruitful weekend of reflection, faith formation and friendship!
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Joining the ACYOA Central Council to lead the weekend's various sessions and activities were the Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian, Rev. Fr. Haroutiun Sabounjian (Armenian Church of the Holy Resurrection, New Britain, CT), Rev. Fr. Voski Galstyan (St. George, Hartford, CT), Rev. Fr. Stepanos Doudoukjian (St. Peter, Watervliet, NY), Fr. Nigoghos Aznavourian (St. Mark, Springfield, MA) and Dn. Yervant Kutchukian (St. Peter, Watervliet, NY).​
Click here to read about 2019 National Fall Retreat​
View photos from 2019 National Fall Retreat