Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

ACYOA Members Strengthen Faith, Share Ideas at Chapter Workshop

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • ACYOA Members Strengthen Faith, Share Ideas at Chapter Workshop

    PRESS OFFICE
    Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
    630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
    Contact: Chris Zakian
    Tel: (212) 686-0710
    E-mail: [email protected]
    Web: http://www.armenianchurch-ed.net/

    February 3, 2014

    ___________________

    ACYOA Members Strengthen Faith, Share Ideas at Chapter Workshop


    More than 30 young people representing 14 parishes across the Eastern
    Diocese gathered in St. Petersburg, Fla., last month for the annual ACYOA
    Chapter Workshop.

    Over the course of three days, from January 24 to 26, participants built
    their faith, discussed the accomplishments and setbacks faced by their local
    ACYOA chapters, shared advice, and brainstormed new programming
    possibilities.

    St. Hagop Church of Pinellas Park, Fla., again hosted this year's event,
    with the Rev. Fr. Hovnan Demerjian, parish pastor, serving as the weekend's
    chaplain. The sessions were organized by the ACYOA Central Council, with
    assistance from Lorie Odabashian, coordinator in the Diocese's Department of
    Youth and Young Adult Ministries, who also attended the workshop.

    On Friday evening, January 24, participants gathered at St. Hagop Church for
    dinner and fellowship. This was followed by a service project during which
    ACYOA members made 200 sandwiches for Pinellas Hope, a local charity that
    provides shelter and aid to the homeless. An overview of the organization's
    work was given by Central Council member Daniel Zalinov and St. Hagop parish
    council member Mallory Maslar.

    The evening concluded with a vespers service led by the Very Rev. Fr. Simeon
    Odabashian, Diocesan Vicar.

    On Saturday, the group convened at the St. Petersburg Marriott for sessions
    on faith, leadership, and team building.

    Fr. Demerjian opened the day with a Bible study on the revelation of Christ.
    Central Council members Shant Paklaian and Adrienne Ashbahian led a
    discussion titled "ACYOA: Mission Possible," where participants shared
    programming ideas and personal skills that fulfill and build on the mission
    of the ACYOA. They focused on the organization's key principles of worship,
    witness, education, service, and fellowship.

    St. Nersess seminarian and former ACYOA Central Council chair Saro Kalayjian
    spoke about the founding of the ACYOA and explained how it has evolved in
    its seven-decade history.

    Small group discussion led by Central Council members Chelsea Kress and
    Armen Terjimanian presented problem scenarios ACYOA chapters have
    encountered in previous years and challenged participants to consider
    various solutions.

    Central Council chair Jon Pelaez and vice chair Ani Grigorian presented a
    session on strategies for success, during which participants drafted goals
    for their chapters and filled out a programming calendar listing events
    they hope to implement in the coming year.

    The day concluded with dinner at a local restaurant.

    On Sunday morning, the young people took part in the Divine Liturgy at St.
    Hagop Church and joined the community for an outdoor picnic, which raised
    funds for Syrian Armenian relief.

    "ACYOA Chapter Workshop is my favorite Central Council-sponsored event,"
    said Aras Mermer of St. Mary Church of Washington, D.C. "I always get new
    ideas for events, and find out what works and what doesn't work."

    Aline Beylerian of St. Leon Church of Fair Lawn, N.J., said, "I enjoyed
    meeting new people who share the same love and passion for keeping the
    Armenian youth connected to their faith and heritage."

    The ACYOA Central Council is now preparing to host Lenten regional retreats
    in Palos Heights, Ill. and Fair Lawn, N.J. on March 29.

    ###



    Photos attached.
    Photo 1: Chapter Workshop participants make sandwiches for Pinellas Hope, a
    local charity that provides shelter and aid to the homeless.
    Photo 2: ACYOA members during one of the workshop sessions.
    Photo 3: Several Chapter Workshop participants assisted Fr. Hovnan Demerjian
    on the altar at St. Hagop Church on Sunday, January 26.

Working...
X