Over Memorial Day Weekend, close to 300 ACYOA Seniors and Armenian young adults from across the Eastern Diocese gathered for the 2024 ACYOA General Assembly & Sports Weekend, hosted by the St. Gregory the Illuminator ACYOA Seniors of Chicago, IL.

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The weekend kicked off on Friday, May 24 with the 2024 ACYOA General Assembly as 60 ACYOA chapter delegates, observers and clergy representing 18 parishes came together to conduct the business of the ACYOA, reflect on the past year of ministries, conduct elections, and engage in meaningful discussions. Additionally, a presentation was made to discuss the importance of recruitment and the many opportunities for young adults to explore educational opportunities at St. Nersess Armenian Seminary.

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On Friday evening, weekend attendees gathered for good food, drinks, and conversation at Millenium Hall, which was just a short walk from their hotel, the Marriott Renaissance Chicago Downtown. They spent the evening reuniting with old friends and meeting new ones. 

Saturday marked an action-packed day of sports as teams representing ACYOA chapters across the Diocese competed in Co-Ed Volleyball, Women’s Basketball, Men’s Basketball,  Backgammon, Chess, and Mario Kart. Crowds gathered to witness the spirited competition at Whitney M. Young High School with the championship games on Sunday. The following teams and individuals brought home first place trophies to their parish communities: 

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• Co-Ed Volleyball: Chicagoland ACYOA

• Women’s Basketball: Chicagoland ACYOA

• Men’s Basketball: Chicagoland ACYOA

• Backgammon: Andrew Yenicag, Holy Martyrs, Bayside, NY

• Chess: Michael Sarafian, St. Hagop, Pinellas Park, FL

• Mario Kart: Brandon Simon, St. James, Evanston, IL

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On Saturday evening, participants danced the night away at VU Rooftop Bar, a venue high in the sky on the 22nd floor offering breathtaking views of Chicago. Participants enjoyed Armenian and American music by DJ M-Kay. On Sunday, many of the weekend attendees participated in the Divine Liturgy at St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church celebrated by Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan.

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The weekend concluded with the Sunday evening gala banquet. After an inspiring message from Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, Fr. Andreas Garabedian along with the weekend’s Chair, Alisha Panthier, and committee members distributed sports trophies before inviting the Siragan Armenian Dance Company of Chicago to take center stage and kick off the night with an energetic performance.  Participants then danced with musical entertainment by Singer Shant Massoyan, Keyboardist Raffi Massoyan, and DJ M-Kay. 

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For decades, ACYOA General Assembly & Sports Weekend has served as a marquee gathering of Armenian-American young adults ages 18 & up across the United States. Each year, the weekend is hosted in a different location by an ACYOA Seniors chapter. The weekend traditionally commences with General Assembly, the ACYOA's annual meeting attended by delegates representing local chapters, along with clergy and youth directors from across the Eastern Diocese. There, attendees review national ministries and programs executed by the ACYOA Central Council, discuss activities done at their local chapters, and vote to elect new members of the Central Council, Auditing Committee and Nominating Committee. Following General Assembly, weekend attendees partake in evening events rooted in fellowship, compete in various sports tournaments, celebrate the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, and more.

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The 2025 ACYOA General Assembly & Sports Weekend will be hosted in Detroit by the St. John ACYOA Seniors of Southfield, MI! Stay tuned for updates over the coming months via this page, ACYOA email newsletters and the @acyoagasw Instagram channel.