More than 60 young adults took part in the 2021 Virtual Armenia Service Program (ASP) organized by the ACYOA Central Council. The virtual “tour” of Armenia took the shape of 5 online gatherings, which met for an hour each evening during the week of June 13-18.
The program—open to young adults ages 18 and older—was an opportunity for participants to connect virtually while learning from clergy and lay leaders about different aspects of Armenia, including its faith, culture, and history.
A roster of engaging presenters shared their time and talent with the young adults of our Diocese. These included Fr. Simeon Odabashian and Dn. Garen Megrdichian, who led vespers services; Fr. Tadeos and Yn. Gayanne Barseghyan, who led an Interactive lesson in Armenian cooking; Garnik Nanagoulian of the Fund for Armenian Relief, Lenna Ohanessian of FAR’s Ayo! crowd-sourcing platform, and Ellen Oganesyan of the Artsakh Relocation Project, who led an informative session on Armenian non-profit organizations.
Dr. Rachel Goshgarian gave a riveting presentation on the iconic monuments of Armenia and Artsakh; Fr. Garabed Kochakian and Krikor Paylan taught about the art and meaning of khatchkars; and Chris Polodian, sommelier with Storica Wines, closed the week with an interactive wine tasting event.
While lingering concerns over the pandemic caused the ASP trip to go forward as a virtual event this year, the ACYOA looks forward to sending a group of young adults to Armenia in the summer of 2022, so they can serve, explore, and appreciate the richness of their homeland in person.
Click the link to view screenshots from the week.
For information on upcoming ACYOA programs, contact the ACYOA Central Council at acyoacc@gmail.com.
By Andrew Yenicag