Eastern Diocese

05/30/2026

What a weekend!

Nearly 300 ACYOA Seniors and clergy from across the Eastern Diocese came together in Watertown, MA, for the 2026 ACYOA General Assembly and Sports Weekend.

Hosted by the St. James ACYOA Seniors, the weekend was filled with faith, friendship, leadership, and unforgettable moments both on and off the court.

05/29/2026

We celebrate 80 years of memories, milestones, and the people who have shaped the ACYOA into the vibrant community it is today. As we honor the past, we look forward with hope to the next generation who will continue this legacy for years to come.

05/28/2026

Today is the last day to RSVP for the Evening on the Plaza event!! Get your tickets before it's too late!

https://givebutter.com/evening-on-the-plaza

A night of memories, music, and reconnecting under the stars ✨

Join us for Evening on the Plaza on June 4 at St. Vartan Cathedral NYC for cocktails, bites, and a celebration of the unforgettable years that brought our community together.

🎟 Advance ticket sales only — RSVP by May 25!

PURCHASE TICKETS: https://givebutter.com/evening-on-the-plaza

05/28/2026

Over a century ago, the Armenian people looked at the horizon of history and chose to write their own destiny. That decision—that defiance—protected the first Armenian republic, and set an example for the republic our people stand in today.
We pause to honor the memory of those who stood tall so that we may stand free. We honor the stones of our ancient land, the resilience of our culture, and the light of our faith. As we celebrate our land’s restoration, let us commit ourselves to the work of peace and the preservation of our heritage for the generations yet to come.
Our history is our strength. Our unity is our future.
Happy Republic Day 🇦🇲

05/27/2026

On Tuesday, May 26, at the special invitation of Paruyr Hovhannisyan, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Armenia to the UN, Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan and Archbishop Anoushavan Danielian visited the headquarters of the United Nations in New York.

At the entrance, they were welcomed by Movses Abelian, Undersecretary-General for General Assembly and Conference Management, who introduced them to the various departments and activities of his office. During the visit, they also discussed issues concerning Armenian and international life.

Throughout the tour, they were accompanied by Zhirayr Ananyan, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Armenia to the United Nations.

As they departed, the bishops expressed their gratitude for this meaningful and educational invitation.

05/26/2026

Catch up on the photos from the ACYOA Sunday Gala! Photos feature sports champions, words from Srpazan, and fun on the dance floor!



View the gallery: https://easterndiocese.smugmug.com/ACYOA/2026-ACYOA-General-Assembly-and-Sports-Weekend/ACYOA-General-Assembly-and-Sports-Weekend-Sunday-Gala/

05/25/2026

On this Memorial Day, we honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. May their sacrifice never be forgotten, and may we continue to remember them through prayer, gratitude, and faith.

05/25/2026

Take a look at the official photos from the ACYOA Sunday Badarak at St. James Armenian Church in Watertown, MA. Celebrated by Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, the service included a Hokehankist in remembrance of former ACYOA members who have passed on, as well as the installation of the new ACYOA Central Council.

View the full gallery: https://easterndiocese.smugmug.com/ACYOA/2026-ACYOA-General-Assembly-and-Sports-Weekend/Sunday-Badarak-at-St-James-Armenian-Church-May-24-2026

05/25/2026

On Sunday morning, ACYOA Juniors and Seniors gathered together at St. James Armenian Church for a joint Badarak celebrated by Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan.
The Badarak included a Hokehankist service in remembrance of all former ACYOA members who have passed on, honoring the generations whose faith, leadership, and love for the Church helped shape our community into what it is today.

The morning also marked the installation of the new ACYOA Central Council. We congratulate incoming members Georgette Avrigian, Grigor Galstyan, Talin Propes, and Armine Utas, alongside returning members Shahe Der Torossian, Peter Bogosian, and Lori Dorian, who will serve as Chair.

We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to outgoing members Dn. Garen Megrdichian, Alisha Panthier, Sarah Tavitian, and Mara Najarian for their dedication, service, and commitment to ACYOA.

As one chapter closes and another begins, we pray for God’s guidance upon our youth and leaders as they continue building the future of our Armenian Church together.

05/24/2026

On the Feast of Pentecost the Eastern Diocese observes "Vocations Day": a day to reflect on how God might be calling us along a certain road in life. The Gospel of John devotes special attention to the idea of the Christian "calling" (the literal meaning of "vocation"). The lesson percolates through the entire gospel, beginning in the earliest moments of our Lord's ministry, just after his baptism.

With the words of John the Baptist-"Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world!"-still ringing in their ears, two of John's followers, inspired by the announcement, go after Jesus as he departs from the River Jordan.

"They followed Jesus," the gospel reports, "and Jesus turned to them and saw they were following. And he said to them, 'What are you seeking?' The other two replied to him: 'Master, where do you live?' Then Jesus said to them: 'Come and see'" (Jn 1:37-39).