Western Diocese

WD Youth Participate in 4^th Annual Pan North American ACYO Retreat

Chicago, Il - On Friday, September 26 members of the ACYO Central Council arrived at Chicago's Midway Airport, excited to be participating in the 4^th Annual ACYO  Pan North American Retreat (PNAR). The retreat's theme was "8 Days a Week," a reference not only to the famous Beetles song, but to living Christ's message throughout our lives, and looking forward to God's kingdom. The retreat was run by the Rev. Fr. Stepanos Doudoukjian, with workshops and sessions offered by himself, seminarian sDn. Ben Rith-Najarian, Julie Hoplamazian, Dn. Matthew Ash, and Dn. Levon Karamian

Western Diocese representatives joined over 40 other young Armenians at the Techny Towers retreat center outside of Chicago, including youth from the mid-west region, the east coast, and several from Canada. The PNAR (commonly pronounced "Puhnar") program began in 2004 as an effort to create bonds between the Armenian youth of the three North American Dioceses and create a venue for them to explore their faith, and discuss important matters regarding the Church. Each Diocese hosts the annual retreat cyclically, and this year marks the first time it has returned to the Eastern Diocese, which hosted the first PNAAR in 2004.

Each session was engaging and thought provoking with much discussion.  Topic's ranged from "Putting on the Armor of God," and "Let Your Light So Shine Upon Others." Saturday's program climaxed with a vigorous Q&A session, during which the youth challenged the clergy with their hardest questions. The PNAR retreat concluded with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy at the small Techny Towers chapel. The youth comprised the choir, and the altar servers. Fr. Stepanos offered an inspiring sermon regarding the Feast of the Holy Cross of Varak.

In reflecting about the value of the retreat, Central Council member Macrina Aivazian said "PNAR gives us the opportunity to support each other as we each grow in our faith. We come together once a year to worship and share our faith with each other as a young family of Christ."

The 5^th Annual PNAR will be hosted by the Western Diocese next fall. More information will be made available in 2009.