#Loveyourselfie Was The Theme Of The 2016 Senior Acyo Retreat

The ACYO Central Council hosted their yearly senior retreat up at the Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian Summer Camp from October 21-23, 2016.

There were over 30 members from all over California who got together for the memorable weekend getaway. Along with all our members, Archpriest Fr. Yeghia Hairabedian, Pastor of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church in Fowler and the Rev. Fr. Krikor Zakaryan, Pastor of St. Garabed Armenian Church in Rancho Mirage travelled to the campgrounds to discuss the important factors that lie under the theme #loveyourselfie. 

As our lives get more and more busy and stressful, we often forget to take time to truly figure out who we are and to appreciate who we have become under God’s watch. This weekend allowed each and every one of the participants to remember that. We were able to think about things we’ve never thought of before and the words spoken by the priests, truly touched all our hearts. Besides the very touching discussions, we spent the rest of our time playing games and creating relationships. 

To wrap up the weekend, we celebrated with a huge Armenian Dance Party by the lakeon Saturday night before going to bed. We noticed how everyone had gotten so much closer to each other as we showed emotion and feelings and got in touch with our Armenian roots, throughout the discussions and the weekend. This senior retreat was one to remember and we can’t wait until next year!  

TESTIMONIALS

"I am so grateful for having Der Krikor with the ACYO for this years Senior Retreat. His ability to connect with the youth was unlike anything I had seen before. Der Krikor created an environment where our members not only felt comfortable opening up to him during discussion but they sought out his guidance throughout the weekend. Der Hayr participated in all of the activities we had and made his presence one that we will never forget. I have not a doubt in my mind that the youth of this year’s retreat will hold near to their hearts the discussion and bonds they made with one another and Der Hayr. I look forward to the opportunity to have Der Krikor with us at our future ACYO-WD events."

-Nataline Jindoian, Recording Secretary 

"This year Der Kirikor made his first visit to senior retreat. He led two discussions and I can honestly say that after sitting and listening to his wise words, I walked out of both of them a new person. He emphasized how important it is to love oneself and how important it is to be a young Armenian in our community. Being in ACYO and in central council for the past years, I have never felt this kind of genuine understanding of faith. Der Kirikor connected with the youth this weekend and really made us all feel like we were in a safe space and that we can approach him if need be. I really appreciated his honesty and his willingness to connect with the youth! I really hope he comes to a lot more events and spreads his knowledge to many more young ACYO members! "

-Mary Yazlyan, Vice Chair 

"Having Der Krikor with our ACYO Senior Members this past weekend was truly wonderful. Each and every participant learned so much this weekend and were very engaged in all the discussions. Der Krikor not only talked about such deep and important topics, he also made everyone feel comfortable in asking questions both related to the church and not. He made the effort to get to know everyone at Senior Retreat and participate in all activities and fellowships. Everyone enjoyed having him around as he brought smiles and laughs to everyone’s faces and allowed them to leave retreat with a better and stronger connection to the Armenian Church. Central Council as well as the participants loved Der Krikor and we all hope to see him more and more at our events and within the ACYO Community."

-Armine Martirosian, Publicity Director