July 7, 2006
Press Release
Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate
6252 Honolulu Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
Tel: (818) 248-7737
Fax: (818) 248-7745
E-mail: prelacy@aol.com
Website:
THE PRELATE ENCOURAGES THE YOUTH AT THE ACYA BOOTH OF THE
H.M.E.M. NAVASARTIAN GAMES
The Armenian Church Youth Association of the Western Prelacy had a
large presence at the Homenetmen Navasartian games during the long
weekend of June 30 to July 4th. The Central Board of the ACYA took
an active role in helping local chapters recruit new members for all
Prelacy churches of the Western United States. Through the support and
direction of His Eminence Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate,
the ACYA made a great impact on this year’s Navasartian games.
The mission of the Armenian Church Youth Association is to revitalize
the spirit of Armenian youth in the Armenian Apostolic Church, with
the intent to strengthen the Christian faith and resolve of young
Armenians. The ACYA created biblical based education and networking
opportunities within the Armenian Church, while highlighting aspects
of Armenian culture, heritage, tradition, and history.
Through the dedication of the ACYA towards promoting church
involvement, faith, service, mentoring, and networking, as well as
debate and open forums, Armenian communities of the Western United
States have welcomed and embraced this newly formed organization into
their homes and families.
The booth at the Navasartian games recruited young adults from the
ages of 18 to 30. Through the support of the ACYA Central Board
of the Western Prelacy, the ACYA collected over three hundred new
membership applications.
The five-day event proved that the remedy has been found for the lack
of youth participation in the Armenian Apostolic Church. The ACYA
has filled the prescription and is moving forward with large numbers,
but most importantly with quality members.
On Sunday July 2nd, at 2:00 p.m., the Prelate made a special visit to
the booth where he was greeted by Rev. Razmig Khatchadourian, ACYA
Central Board Chair Greg Martayan, Holy Martyrs ACYA Chair Mardig
Nalbandian, and Pasadena ACYA member Sahag Yedalian.
The Prelate greeted the members of the ACYA with warm wishes and
blessings for continued success. He commended the work of the ACYA
Central Board for their dedication and ability to recruit so many
new members in such a short period of time. He also reaffirmed his
support of the ACYA stating "you are the future of our Church, and
through your positive actions today we will have a more promising
tomorrow in the Armenian Apostolic Church and community.
The Prelate then met with several members of the ACYA where issues
of faith and service arose. The visit of the Prelate concluded with
the blessing of the Prelate. The members were left with rejuvenated
energy to continue the day’s work.
The Armenian Church Youth Association was created with the intent to
preserve, protect, and educate the youth about the Armenian Church. The
Central Board of the ACYA serves the entire Western region of the
United States, and has tripled in membership since the beginning of
the year.
The motto of the Armenian Church Youth Association is "To Know, To
Love, and To Serve". It is a statement that the members live and work
by. If you or your family members are interested in being involved
with the ACYA, please contact your local parish or the Western Prelacy.