The Armenian Church Youth Organization of America (ACYOA) was founded in 1946 through the vision of Archbishop Tiran Nersoyan, of blessed memory, the late Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America. The ACYOA remains the oldest church-related youth organization in the worldwide Armenian community. Its goal is to promote a deeper relationship between young Armenian Christians and their ancestral church, and to provide a stage on which young Armenians can gather to know and love their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and to discover their identity as Armenian Christians.

Generations of young Armenian-Americans have participated in ACYOA activities focusing on Worship, Witness, Service, Education, and Fellowship-five ideas collectively known as the “Circles of the Cross.” By building bonds among its members, the ACYOA also strengthens the sense of attachment and leadership that young Armenian Christians feel towards the Armenian and American communities in which they live.

Through programming initiatives such as leadership conferences, educational workshops, spiritual retreats, service projects, and trips to Armenia and the Holy Land, the ACYOA prepares young Armenians to be active, educated members of their church, and leaders in their local parish communities and within the broader Armenian Church. Palm Sunday is traditionally dedicated to the recognition of this organization and is known as “ACYOA Day.” The ACYOA has given our youth a vehicle and venue to make meaningful connections with other youth nationwide and it has also allowed our youth to have a voice in the hierarchy of the Armenian Church.

To join the ACYOA, you MUST be at least 12 years old and to attend any regional events including Sports Weekend you MUST be 13 -18 years old (High School age). We hold our elections in June.

2022-23 ACYOA Juniors Executive Board

President: Fr. Dr. Abraham Malkhasyan
Chairperson: Armen Aprahamian and Nectar Mouradian
Vice-Chair: Shant Andonian and Gary Nercessian
Secretary: Bella Keshishian and Shela Ozbilir
Treasurer: James Kasparian
Advisors: Mellie Deukmedjian, Maral Andonian and Isabelle Sirounian

The ACYOA Juniors meet once a month on the first Friday of each month. The group is under the direction of our Parent Advisory Board. If you know of a young adult who would like to become a member, please e-mail Kathy Deukmedjian at kdeukmed@gmail.com or call the church office at 718-225-0235 for more information.