In the spirit of celebration and reunion, the first annual Senior ACYO Banquet was held at the Taglyan Cultural Center by St. John Armenian Church in Hollywood on Saturday, April 12th, 2008.
His Eminence Abp. Hovnan Derderian presided over this auspicious event, which was hosted by the ACYO Central Council. Entitled “Lighting Our Path”, this inaugural event paid homage to those who have served as role models for today’s young leaders: the members of the Central Council from the last 15 years.
As the guests and honorees gathered at the Taglyan Center, an atmosphere of reunion took hold of the reception as pervious Central Council’s met with friends from years past. The Primate walked amongst the crowd, welcoming the honorees and their families and enjoying the frivolity of the occasion. Younger ACYO Senior members also enjoyed the opportunity to meet with their older peers.
During the program, ACYO Central Council Chair Sossi Iacovides welcomed the guests and thanked them for coming. Later, introduced by Dn. Matthew Ash, soon-to-be appointed Diocesan Youth Director Dn. Vahe Abovian spoke to the attendees and encouraged them to be partners in the strengthening of the Diocese’s youth mission.
The evening’s final remarks were offered by the Primate, who thanked the honorees for their sincere and dedicated service and challenged them to enter into new roles of leadership through the forum of the Senior ACYO—to become the future leaders of the Diocese. Following his remarks, special plaques where given to the honorees.