11/10/2025
This weekend, our ACYOA Seniors attended the ACYOA National Fall Retreat at St. Iakovos Retreat Center in Kansasville, Wisconsin. The theme of this years’ retreat is Faith over Fear ✝️
On Friday night, we enjoyed meeting up with old and new friends through ice breakers, and attended a Blessing of the Water service with His Grace Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan. On Saturday, the retreat sessions began with Bishop Mesrop speaking about “Courage Powered by God”. Participants enjoyed faithful discussions, prayers, and activities throughout the day such as nature walks, a clergy chat, and a wagon ride to a local farm. The night ended with dance lessons! 🎶
On Sunday, the group attended Holy Badarak celebrated by Father Sahak Kaishian. Our ACYOA members Dn. Hovsep served on the altar and Ani and Milla sang in the choir. We are so proud of our Youth!
The Fall Retreat is a wonderful opportunity for Youth across our Diocese to come together, pray together, and witness their faith together. We wish all participants safe travels home and look forward to attending the ACYOA Lenten Retreat in the Spring! 🌷