The ACYOA Central Council hosted its annual ACYOA Seniors National Fall Retreat in Lakeside, CT, on November 8-10. The theme this year was “The GIFT of Forgiveness: Growing in Faith Together.” Participants explored what it means to forgive and repent, and how we can forgive others and ourselves.
The retreat began on Friday evening with dinner and icebreakers to help participants get to know each other. The ACYOA Central Council was impressed to see a diverse group of faithful ACYOA members so excited to make new friends, as it was many people’s first National Fall Retreat and ACYOA program. Fr. Hratch Sargsyan and Fr. Haroutiun Sabounjian joined the group for the icebreaker activity. They also led the group of nearly 70 young adults from 25 parishes across the Eastern Diocese in a Vespers Service followed by a moving message from our Primate, Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, focusing on the weekend theme.
Saturday morning began with a breakfast, Matins Service, and a message shared by Fr. Hratch Sargsyan. The group then gathered for a group photo with Bishop Mesrop and participants greeted him one-by-one to offer their appreciation and receive his blessing.
“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.”
Days of Thought, Prayer, and Activity
The first session of the day was introduced by Sarah Tavitian and Alisha Panthier, the Ministries and Outreach Coordinators of the ACYOA Central Council, where they shared why they chose the theme of the weekend and helped provide a foundation for the day. After an opening video clip, the participants were divided into six groups led by ACYOA Central Council members for a small group discussion.
The afternoon continued with fellowship over lunch. The second session of the retreat focused on forgiving others with Fr. Nigoghos Aznavourian. The participants enjoyed free time in the afternoon when they went on hikes within the beautiful campground, played sports, or participated in a “Clergy Chat,” where many of the participants had open discussions with Fr. Haroutiun Sabounjian and Fr. Nigoghos Aznavourian on questions they had about their faith and life as Armenian Christians.
Chris Artun from Holy Martyrs Church in Bayside, NY shared that “This year’s fall retreat was among the most fulfilling ACYOA programs I’ve ever participated in. Through the topic of Forgiveness, we enjoyed enlightening sessions and conversations. As always, it was a pleasure to reconnect with old friends and make new ones from throughout our Diocese.”
Fr. Haroutiun Sabounjian was the presenter for our third session focusing on forgiving ourselves through God’s love. After dinner, participants engaged in the final session, “Forgiveness Rocks,” where they decorated rocks with inspiring messages from the weekend to pass on to others. Participants each stood before the group to share their message and take away from the retreat.
The evening concluded with prayer and fellowship, which included a backgammon tournament, line dancing, and discussions around a fireplace. Shahe Der Torossian, of St. James Church in Watertown, MA, shared: “Forgiveness is not easy, but it brings relief. Choosing to forgive can ease your mind and open your life to acceptance, whether through spiritual growth or connections with others.”
St. Nersess seminarians joined the ACYOA retreat participants during the weekend and assisted with the prayer services and Divine Liturgy on Sunday morning, which was celebrated by Fr. Aznavourian. The ACYOA members lifted a joyful noise to the Lord while participating in the Divine Liturgy as altar servers, organists, choir members, and faithful members of Christ’s body.
Closer to God, Strengthened in Faith
After brunch, the group welcomed St. Nersess Seminary Board Member Michael Zeytoonian to talk about some of their new initiatives and invited the participants to share their ideas. Then the ACYOA Central Council and Jennifer Morris, Diocesan staffer and advisor to the Central Council, spoke about upcoming ACYOA events including a Christmas Exchange Program, the Mission Trip, Lenten Regional Retreats, the ACYOA General Assembly and Sports Weekend, and the Armenia Service Program.
The young adults truly enjoyed the weekend and expressed a desire for more opportunities to engage in meaningful conversations focused on their faith. Milla Shirikyan noted: “This weekend was one of my most memorable experiences. My first ACYOA Seniors event welcomed my friends and me with open arms and provided an opportunity to meet so many amazing and beautiful people and learn so much more about our faith. I truly grew closer to God and strengthened my faith. Thank you to the ACYOA Central Council, Jennifer Morris, and all of the clergy and seminarians.”