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.
2024 Seniors National Fall Retreat: The GIFT of Forgiveness
The 2024 ACYOA Seniors National Fall Retreat was held November 8-10 at Camp Washington in Lakeside, CT. The ACYOA was thrilled to welcome nearly 70 young adults representing 25 Eastern Diocese and Prelacy parish communities for this weekend-long getaway rooted in faith formation, reflection and friendship!
​
His Grace Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan helped to kick off the retreat on Friday night -- following icebreakers with Fr. Hratch Sargsyan -- with a moving message focused on the weekend's t“It was a blessing indeed to share such a meaningful time with the ACYOA Seniors at this year’s retreat,” reflected Bishop Mesrop. “Together we delved into the powerful theme of Forgiveness, exploring what it means to let go, to heal, and to grow in faith. We were grateful for this blessed time together, and I am looking forward to seeing the fruit of these days of reflection in the heart of each participant.”
​
Saturday involved a full day of group discussions, activities, time for prayer, and chats with clergy of the Eastern Diocese. Both Fr. Haroutiun Sabounjian and Fr. Nighoghos Aznavourian were present to field questions from many of our participants, and also led sessions on how to forgive others and ourselves through God's love. The action-packed day concluded with the participants gathered in fellowship, playing various games, singing and dancing.
​
The group participated in the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, which was celebrated by Fr. Nigoghos Aznavourian. Following brunch, the group welcomed St. Nersess Seminary Board Member Michael Zeytoonian to talk about some of their new initiatives. The retreat concluded with Jennifer Morris and Central Council speaking about upcoming ACYOA events including their National Secret Santa Gift Exchange, Mission Trip, Lenten Regional Retreats, the ACYOA General Assembly and Sports Weekend, and the Armenia Service Program.​
​​
Registration for the retreat was free for all participants, who were provided lodging, meals and snacks throughout the weekend thanks to ACYOA subsidies and grant monies received from the Dadourian Foundation.
​
The ACYOA thanks all of our Diocesan clergy and St. Nersess seminarians who were involved in making this retreat so fruitful. To read more about the weekend and view photos, click here. ​​​
​
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.
​
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!
​
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
