Western Diocese

 October 2009

... In a couple of hours a group of kids will come from Phoenix to stay overnight.

It's 6:30 and Sanahin is getting impatient, pacing up and down the corridors wondering why they're late. I myself, to be honest, am a little concerned. I'd never entertained a group of teenagers overnight. Two moms will also be joining them which is a big relief for me but still... What if they get bored? What had I gotten myself into when I had put out an open invitation to the ACYO youth to come to Tucson on Saturday, have a retreat at our house, be rested and ready for the next day's church Mass.

What I'd gotten myself into was a most delightful surprise. An experience, an evening that neither the 10 kids nor the 3 adults would forget soon.

Upon arrival, a buzzing noise filled the house immediately. It was a happy and cheerful sound. I knew right then that I had the right crowd of kids in my house. Once the stomachs were full, the fun begun. After a stroll in the neighborhood, back at home, the laughter, the noise, the teasing and shouting went on and on. Watching those kids, mature on so many levels but still young and  innocent amazed me. There was so much brotherhood among them, all reaching to one another. They did get silly on many occasions and I have 148 pictures to prove it, but all you could see was the candor and sincerity among them. It was very touching to see how playful and yet how respectful they were of each other. The "Truth or Dare" game lasted passed after midnight, when some of the kids hit the sleeping bags but for a few "Night Owls", the chess and backgammon hour had just began. It was passed 3:00 a.m., and I could still hear the laughter. I was smiling as it  reminded me of my days at Melkonian Institute. The brotherhood, respect and appreciation of one another that lasts a lifetime...

Next morning, after breakfast, another session of backgammon, some more mischievousness and the kids were ready for church. Grace St. Pauls Episcopal Church was where the annual pilgrimage from Phoenix , headed by our Der Hayr, was getting ready to start the Liturgy. Some of these kids put their robes on and took to the altar to perform their duties during the worship. It was an awkward and yet a beautiful service. There were many challenges to overcome compared to the ones in Phoenix , and yet Fr. Zacharia performed a very heartwarming Mass. There was something very sentimental about the whole devotion ceremony. The simplicity and humility was extremely touching. It's always very inspiring watching those kids whether they're acolytes or choir members or performing any other service in the church. What they are learning now will last them a lifetime. I know that the spiritual influence of our church, St. Apkar, has already been rooted in the souls of those fine young adults.

I would want to congratulate both the parents and our spiritual leaders but especially Fr. Zacharia Saribekyan, who spares no effort in investing so much of his time, to guide and direct our kids, the new generation, as these are the leaders of tomorrow.

Our home will always be open to the ACYO youth... ALWAYS.