Throughout the fall, the Eastern Diocese has held a series of in-person and virtual youth retreats in several regions, targeting the ACYOA Juniors and Seniors age groups.
Two retreats for ACYOA Juniors took place on the weekend of November 6-7, organized by the Diocese’s Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries. Kathryn Ashbahian led the retreat at Holy Martyrs Church (Bayside, NY), while Jennifer Morris led the one at St. John Church (Southfield, MI). Similar events were held in late October at Holy Resurrection Church (New Britain, CT) and St. James of Nisibis Church (Evanston, IL), with a total of more than 100 teens participating in the four regional gatherings.
The ACYOA Juniors enjoyed sessions focusing on teamwork, topical discussions, and Bible study. Most of all, they appreciated the chance to spend time with fellow Armenian youth in a church setting.
To view photos of the ACYOA Juniors retreats, click here.
Meeting concurrently with these was the National Retreat Series aimed at ACYOA Seniors, which wrapped up this weekend with in-person gatherings at Holy Trinity Church (Cambridge, MA) and St. James of Nisibis Church (Evanston, IL). Additionally, a “Virtual Retreat” met online on Sunday evening, November 7. An earlier ACYOA Seniors retreat took place in October at St. Leon Church (Fair Lawn, NJ).
ACYOA Central Council members served as retreat leaders for the more than 60 young adult participants from across the Eastern Diocese.
Click here to view photos of the ACYOA Seniors retreats.
Above: St. John Church, Southfield, MI, hosted a retreat for the ACYOA Juniors youth group on Nov. 6, 2021. The gathering was part of a series of retreats for ACYOA Juniors and Seniors, organized by the Eastern Diocese’s Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries.