Armenian Church Youth Organization

ACYO

Love One Another. — John 15:17

About Our Chapter

Our ACYO chapter at St. Mary's brings together youth ages 12 and up. We host events once or twice a month for our youth and the church community. Our purpose is to bring our youth closer to Jesus Christ and the Armenian Apostolic faith, while helping them feel a sense of belonging in a community where they can express their faith and form lasting friendships.

Our theme is John 15:17 — “Love one another.” « Սիրեցէ՛ք միմեանց » — Յովհաննէս 15:17. We chose this theme to remind our youth to love one another as Christ taught us. Love is the foundation of a strong, supportive community; it brings friends and family together and encourages us to be compassionate and kind toward one another. By living out this message, our youth grow closer to Christ while building a loving and united ACYO family.

Our Mission

The Armenian Church Youth Organization actively integrates its members into the life of the church by providing opportunities for worship, service, education, and fellowship in Christ, in accordance with the doctrines and traditions of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

Officers & Leadership

  • Chairman: Talia Saharyildizi
  • Vice-Chairman: Diana Karapetyan
  • Treasurer: Roubeena Akmakjian
  • Recording Secretary: Ellen Shahinyan
  • Publicist Director: Terra Saharyildizi
  • Corresponding Secretary: Ani Karapetyan
  • Advisor: Sergey Khachatryan
  • Youth Director: Alen Ashikian

Weekly Bible Study & Prayer Service

Every Wednesday night, we host Bible Studies and Zhamerkutyun (prayer service) at the church, led by Sargavak Emin Matevosyan.

  • 7:30 PM — Gather at the church
  • 8:00 PM — Bible study discussion
  • 9:30 PM — Zhamerkutyun (prayer service)

Events & Activities

Our chapter hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including:

  • Movie nights
  • Morning and sunset hikes
  • Lock-in sleepovers at the church
  • Sports Weekend practices
  • Fundraisers and potlucks
  • Beach bonfires
  • Our annual ACYO beach party

Diocesan Involvement

St. Mary ACYO is part of the Armenian Church Youth Organization of the Western Diocese (ACYO-WD), the youth ministry of the Armenian Apostolic Church serving North America. ACYO-WD was established in September 1946 in Fresno, California, and integrates its members into church life through four pillars: Worship, Service, Education, and Fellowship.

Our chapter participates in ACYO-WD events such as:

  • Sports Weekends
  • Fall and Spring Retreats
  • ACYO Convention
  • Srpazan's Christmas Fellowship
  • Hye Camp every summer

Stay Connected

Our ACYO has a large WhatsApp group — please be sure to download the WhatsApp app to receive updates on meetings, events, and more!

Connect With Us

Email: st.mary.cm.acyo@gmail.com

Phone: (949) 826-4429

WhatsApp Group: Join the chat

Membership Sign-up: Become a member

Facebook: Follow us

Instagram: Follow us

Want to learn more?

Reach out to the parish office or come visit us on a Sunday — we'd love to meet you.