On July 24, His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, received the young participants in this year’s ACYOA Seniors Armenian Service Program (ASP) during a special gathering at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
Some two dozen ACYOA Seniors from across the Eastern Diocese toured the homeland throughout July, viewing its magnificent landscapes and holy sites, meeting its people, and lending their hands to charitable projects. They were led by Fr. Hakob and Yn. Anna Gevorgyan, of Holy Trinity Church in Cheltenham, PA.
Fr. Gevorgyan introduced each of the young people to His Holiness, and described their exploration of Armenia’s historical, cultural, and spiritual heritage.
Catholicos Karekin II expressed his joy at welcoming young Armenians to the Mother See, and congratulated the ACYOA members for their humanitarian and benevolent volunteer activities, which would strengthen their connection to the homeland while bringing aid and comfort to its people. As he blessed the young people, he urged them to cherish their Armenian identity, and let it inspire their good works in the wider world.
Click the link to view photos of the ASP trip.
On the ASP Facebook page, the ACYOA pilgrims kept a day-to-day diary of their adventures, which included photos and video. Click here to view it.