WASHINGTON, DC - The St. Mary (DC) Chapter of the ACYOA sponsored a weekend retreat at a local parishioner's farm house on Saturday, November 7, 2000. The natural setting was a perfect environment for members and friends of the ACYOA to pray, learn about the Bible, the Armenian Church, and to engage in meaningful Christian fellowship. Fourteen young people devoted their weekend to learning about God's plan for the salvation for the world, the theme of the retreat, and how Christians should approach God and His Church.

Dr. Zaven Kalayjian, a newly ordained deacon in the Armenian Church, designed and led the retreat with the assistance of two other retreat committee members; ACYOA Vice-Chairman Daron Bolat and Yervant Kutchukian.

After the retreat, Dr. Kalayjian commented, "We tried to find God's perspective on history, humanity, and ultimately our own hearts. It was very exciting for me to express with my peers what the Bible and the Armenian Church have to say about profound spiritual matters." He added, "I think we had a good combination of fun and study. I think it was enjoyable and worthwhile."

The Fall Retreat was one of many successful programs the St. Mary ACYOA has had in recent months. One of the highlights from the summer was an inter-organizational dinner and variety show hosted by the ACYOA for various DC-area organizations on July 21, 2000, including the Armenian Assembly Interns, the Armenian National Committee Interns, the Armenian Youth Federation (DC), youth from Soorp Khatch Armenian Church, and the Armenian Network (DC).

The evening began with a hearty dinner prepared by the members of the St. Mary ACYOA. Rev. Fr. Vertanes Kalayjian, Pastor of St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church, gave opening remarks, welcoming all the out- of-town guests as well as the native Washingtonians. Dinner was followed by a bittersweet celebration. Those present celebrated the birthdays of two of the communities' youths, Garen Boghossian and Haik Naltchayan; and said farewell to ACYOA members Jeff Pogharian, Stephanie Hagatian, and Mihran Toumajan. Saro Kalayjian of the St. Mary ACYOA, and the evening's coordinator, expressed the deep sense of loss that the community would experience once these devoted members left the DC area to seek new challenges in their respective careers. On behalf of the chapter, he presented each of them with an obsidian cross from Armenia and wished them well for the new experiences that lie ahead of them.

The variety show included Armenian, classical, and pop music; poetry recitations; and performance art. Each performance dazzled the over I00 young spectators. The show began with the very inspiring duet of Lilit Vardanian (piano) and Artur Hovanessian (violin) who performed three Armenian pieces. After their performance, Ms. Vardanian performed a moving solo piece. Leana Movsessian then graced the audience with her own original composition on the piano.

The next performance was a spectacular brother-sister piece performed by Haik Naltchayan (guitar) and Joyce Boghossian (vocals). Natalia Minassian (California) then took the stage and impressed the crowd with her virtuoso talent on the violin. Ms. Minassian also performed a piece accompanied by Lilit Vardanian on piano. Haik Naltchayan (guitar) and Shant Markarian (dumbeg) performed an original song written by Haik.

Making their DC debut, "The Youts" then took the stage: Rob Noravian (vocals & percussions), Zaven Kalayjian (guitar), Raffi Balian (dumbeg/percussion), and Saro Kalayjian (bass guitar); and performed two classic rock hits. Mihran Toumajan followed, paying tribute to Mesrob Mashtots and singing three traditional Armenian favorites. Arshag Hovanessian impressed the audience with an original piece, which he sang with his own piano accompaniment.

The tone of the evening shifted when Raffi Balian recited a serious piece by Vahan Tekeyan, which was accompanied by Natalia Minassian (California) on the violin. It set the stage for the grand finale; Lori Tatoulian (California) performed a solo dramatic piece about the Armenian Genocide and identity as an Armenian American. She left everyone speechless. Her piece was accompanied by Raffi Balian (dumbeg) and Artur Hovanessian (violin).

The show ended with comments and acknowledgments by St. Mary ACYOA Chairman Kareen Sivaslian who thanked all the performers, and all those that helped with the evening's meal and preparations. Special thanks went to those who attended the evening's program, particularly the Armenian Assembly interns. The evening ended with remarks from Der Vertanes, who thanked all the organizers, participants, and performers and expressed his appreciation to the ACYOA for putting together such a fantastic show. At the end of his remarks he led the entire group in the recitation of the Lord's Prayer.

After the show, Saro Kalayjian commented on the variety of organization represented that evening, "The fellowship that we have created here tonight transcends any conflicting affiliations that those present may have. All the youth should feel united in our Mother Church."

More information about the event and the St. Mary ACYOA can be found at www.stmaryacyoa.org