On the weekend of April 1-2, members of the ACYOA Central Council visited parishes around the Eastern Diocese to celebrate ACYOA Day. Held every Palm Sunday, the purpose of ACYOA Day is to focus attention on the vitality of the ACYOA, its members, its accomplishments, and its role in local parish communities. It is also an opportunity for the ACYOA to promote its ministries and honor individuals who have made an impact on youth in the church.
ACYOA Day luncheons were organized by ACYOA Juniors and Seniors chapters at many parishes in the Diocese, with Central Council making visits and connecting with youth at the following parishes:
- St. Sahag and St. Mesrob Church, Wynnewood, PA (Andrew Yenicag)
- Holy Resurrection Church, New Britain, CT (Christine Beylerian McNally and Lucine Sabounjian)
- St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, Chicago, IL (Madeline Ovassapian)
- Soorp Haroutiun Church, Orlando, FL (Mardig Klachian and Michael Sarafian)
On Saturday, the Central Council conducted “Chapter Connections” with ACYOA Seniors at Holy Resurrection (New Britain) and Soorp Haroutiun (Orlando). The Chapter Connections program was introduced in 2019 as an initiative to workshop with each ACYOA chapter on a personal level. Its objective is to develop relationships, identify each chapter’s strengths, analyze struggles, and assist each chapter with developing a plan for future ministries and programs.
Parishes interested in organizing a “Chapter Connection” for your local ACYOA chapter should contact acyoacc@gmail.com.
On Palm Sunday, April 2, visiting Central Council members participated in the Divine Liturgy at their respective parishes, and during fellowship hour gave presentations to highlight their experiences in the organization and share upcoming programs.
The ACYOA Central Council sincerely thanks each of its hosting parishes, clergymen, and youth directors for a wonderful weekend celebrating the ACYOA. The council members look forward to another fruitful year of ACYOA ministries, starting in May with ACYOA Seniors General Assembly and Sports Weekend at St. Leon Church (Fair Lawn, NJ).