Youth Retreat - 2015 |
Other News |
On August 20th, the youth from St. Sarkis Church in New York and Sts. Vartanantz Church in New Jersey met at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington, NY for a two-day retreat organized by St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church.
Twenty-five participants, who were very eager and excited to see what this “trial” retreat entailed. During these two days, participants followed the theme of the retreat which was based on Mark 1:35 “Jesus got up …and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Participants explored the meaning of “solitude”, and the significance of “prayer.” Throughout the day, participants had also free time and many thought-provoking discussions. In addition to chapel time with vesper and sunrise services, short homilies and “free time with your Bible.
As the topic of the retreat was prayer and being alone, participants had multiple group discussions. On Thursday, Der Nareg introduced the topic, and on Friday, three consecutive classes covered the topics in depth. Der Nareg explained the difference between personal and communal prayer. He also introduces ways of prayer. Ms. Nevair Oranjian and Mr. Christapor Megherian taught the difference between being alone and being lonely. They also took that and applied it to the way that participants are on social media. Overall, the discussions were informative and simulative.
During free time, everyone experienced the activities that were available. Participants had access to a gym with a basketball court and plenty of other activities (e.g., foosball, table tennis & air hockey). During free time, besides playing sports, some played games such as Jenga and cards. Even though everyone was doing their own thing, we still felt a sense of community.
On Thursday evening after church services participants gathered around a campfire roasting marshmallows, eating s’mores, singing, and performing short skits. Some participants even played music on guitars. Spending time together that night increased the sense of belonging within the group.
On Friday, His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan, Prelate and His Grace Bishop Anoushavan, Vicar General visited the retreat and met with participants. The Prelate gave his blessings and shared a meal.
Overall this retreat was a success. All who attended this retreat learned something new about life and the church. Everyone had a great time doing the activities, and spending time with each other. We thank Der Nareg and all the staff: Deacon Bedros Kalajian, Mrs. Vicky Hagobian, Mrs. Seta Megherian and Ms. Nevair Oranjian for making this event possible. We are looking forward to having a successful retreat in the future!
Contributors to this article:
Introduction: Juliet Hagobian
Discussions: Deborah Agopian
Activities: Nicole Yaghdjian, Tonya Orangian, & Olivia Nercessian
Conclusion: Alicia Mordjikian & Tonya Orangjan
Edited and Prepared by Nevair Oranjian
Twenty-five participants, who were very eager and excited to see what this “trial” retreat entailed. During these two days, participants followed the theme of the retreat which was based on Mark 1:35 “Jesus got up …and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Participants explored the meaning of “solitude”, and the significance of “prayer.” Throughout the day, participants had also free time and many thought-provoking discussions. In addition to chapel time with vesper and sunrise services, short homilies and “free time with your Bible.
As the topic of the retreat was prayer and being alone, participants had multiple group discussions. On Thursday, Der Nareg introduced the topic, and on Friday, three consecutive classes covered the topics in depth. Der Nareg explained the difference between personal and communal prayer. He also introduces ways of prayer. Ms. Nevair Oranjian and Mr. Christapor Megherian taught the difference between being alone and being lonely. They also took that and applied it to the way that participants are on social media. Overall, the discussions were informative and simulative.
During free time, everyone experienced the activities that were available. Participants had access to a gym with a basketball court and plenty of other activities (e.g., foosball, table tennis & air hockey). During free time, besides playing sports, some played games such as Jenga and cards. Even though everyone was doing their own thing, we still felt a sense of community.
On Thursday evening after church services participants gathered around a campfire roasting marshmallows, eating s’mores, singing, and performing short skits. Some participants even played music on guitars. Spending time together that night increased the sense of belonging within the group.
On Friday, His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan, Prelate and His Grace Bishop Anoushavan, Vicar General visited the retreat and met with participants. The Prelate gave his blessings and shared a meal.
Overall this retreat was a success. All who attended this retreat learned something new about life and the church. Everyone had a great time doing the activities, and spending time with each other. We thank Der Nareg and all the staff: Deacon Bedros Kalajian, Mrs. Vicky Hagobian, Mrs. Seta Megherian and Ms. Nevair Oranjian for making this event possible. We are looking forward to having a successful retreat in the future!
Contributors to this article:
Introduction: Juliet Hagobian
Discussions: Deborah Agopian
Activities: Nicole Yaghdjian, Tonya Orangian, & Olivia Nercessian
Conclusion: Alicia Mordjikian & Tonya Orangjan
Edited and Prepared by Nevair Oranjian