The Eastern Diocese held its annual “ACYOA Seniors National Fall Retreat” over the weekend of November 10-12, at St. Iakovos Retreat Center in Kansasville, WI. Some 40 young adults from 19 parishes across the Eastern Diocese gathered for a weekend focused on the theme “Be a Witness.”
The participants were excited to have the Primate, Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, with them on Friday and Saturday, so they could spend time interacting with and learning from him. Bishop Mesrob led the opening session on “Witnessing Christ to Others,” which laid the foundation for the weekend’s spiritual explorations.
“During our time together,” said Bishop Mesrop, “we delved deep into the essence of what it means to be a witness to Christ in our daily lives. I was particularly moved by the enthusiasm and insight of our youth. Their perspectives and commitment to living out their faith in real and tangible ways were both inspiring and a testament to the vibrant future of our church.”
Also speaking to the young participants were Fr. Avedis Kalayjian, Fr. Yeprem Kelegian, and Fr. Sahak Kaishian, who served as chaplain for the weekend and celebrated the Divine Liturgy on Sunday morning. Members of the ACYOA Central Council led group discussions with titles like “How I Live as a Witness,” “Witnessing God in Your Life, and “Faith in Action.”
Sarah Stites from the Fund for Armenian Relief’s Ayo! platform addressed the group via video conference, to share ways to bear witness on behalf of Armenians in the homeland, through FAR’s humanitarian projects like #ForArtsakhtsis.
During daylight hours, participants had time to enjoy the beautiful setting and nature trails. At night they held vespers services and gathered in fellowship around the campfire.
They were also blessed by the presence of clergy from throughout the Diocese’s Midwest region, including Fr. Tavit Boyajian, Fr. Hovhan Khoja-Eynatyan, Fr. Guregh Hambardzumyan, as well as St. Nersess seminarians Arin Parsanian and Karo Boyadzhyan.
ACYOA Central Council members Yn. Lucine Sabounjian and Mardig Klachian coordinated the retreat along with their adviser on the Diocesan staff, Jennifer Morris.
Click here to view photos from the retreat weekend.