ACYA Holds First Summer Conference

By: Raffi Naljian
RGN@naljianlaw.com

As Armenians, we take pride in being the first nation to have adopted Christianity as the official state religion. However, is it a label or a name tag we wear for others? Or is it a way of living? These as well as many other questions related to our history of Christianity were answered at the very recent summer conference held by the ACYA.

The Western Prelacy’s Armenian Church Youth Association (ACYA) was formed about four years ago in order to bring the youth back to the Armenian Apostolic Church and to teach them the word of God as well as the Divine Liturgy. Through the ACYA, members have the opportunity to grow in their faith, learn about the traditions of the Armenian Apostolic Church, and build friendships with fellow brothers and sisters. Of course, the networking opportunities with other Armenian-Christians are endless.

In addition to youth gatherings, members participate in church services, conferences, and numerous social outings. His Holiness Aram I, Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia in Antelias, Lebanon, pronounced this year as the Year of the Youth. In answering his call for greater action and interaction among the Armenian-Christian youth, the ACYA Central Executive Committee planned various events to take place during the year 2009. Throughout the year, members participated in bible studies, presentations, social outings, camping trips, and most recently, attended the summer conference and went on a camping trip to Rivernook Campground in Kern County.

The July conference entitled, “Spiritual Growth,” was ACYA’s first ever summer conference. It took place at the Western Prelacy Headquarters in La Crescenta during the weekend of July 24th, 2009, under the auspices of His Eminence, Archbishop Mardirosian, Prelate of the Armenian Apostolic Church of Western America. In conjunction with the dedicated members of the ACYA executive committee, over sixty young, faithful Armenians from the local churches of the Western Prelacy came together with several delegates from the Eastern Prelacy for a weekend of prayer services, enlightening lectures, Bible studies, roundtable discussions, Q&A sessions, fellowship, testimonies, and a tour of the San Juan Capistrano mission.

During the weekend of September 11th, 2009, ACYA members enjoyed a three-day, two-night camping trip to Rivernook Campground. Throughout the weekend, members participated in morning hikes, Bible studies, prayer sessions, barbeques, numerous games and sports, and of course, delicious homemade meals prepared by ACYA Committee members.

The year is not over yet... In November, The ACYA will have its Fourth Annual Thanksgiving Potluck. The now-traditional event has become an amazingly popular tradition for the local Armenian Christian young adults, and has always been a free event open to all ACYA members and non-members. Dinner will include more than 30 traditional Armenian, American, and Middle-Eastern dishes and various homemade desserts. The year will conclude with the ever-popular ACYA Christmas and New Year’s Celebration. As previously stated, the night will include a fully catered dinner and an entire night of Armenian, Middle-Eastern, and other international dance music.

All Armenian Christian young adults are encouraged to visit their local church and ask about joining the ACYA, or by calling (818) 859-9081.