Acyo Spring Retreat Brings Together Faith, Fellowship, And Renewal At Hyecamp

From May 1–3, 2026, young faithful from across the Western Diocese gathered at HyeCamp for the ACYO Spring Retreat, a spiritually enriching weekend dedicated to faith, fellowship, and renewal in the heart of nature.

Hosted amidst the serene beauty of HyeCamp, the retreat provided participants with a meaningful opportunity to step away from the distractions of daily life and deepen their relationship with God, one another, and the sacred traditions of the Armenian Church. Throughout the weekend, attendees participated in Bible study discussions, prayer services, and the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, fostering spiritual growth and strengthening the bonds of Christian fellowship.

The retreat was led by several devoted clergy of the Western Diocese, including Rev. Fr. Avedis Abovian, Parish Priest of Holy Apostles Armenian Apostolic Church and ACYO-WD Youth Director; Rev. Fr. Mesrop Ash, Parish Priest of St. John Armenian Apostolic Church of San Francisco; and Rev. Fr. Yeghishe Ksachikyan, Parish Priest of St. James Armenian Apostolic Church of Sacramento. 

In addition to its spiritual programming, the retreat featured a variety of recreational and cultural activities, including sports, fishing, lake activities, stargazing, bonfires with s’mores. These shared experiences cultivated a joyful atmosphere of fellowship while reinforcing the importance of Armenian Christian identity and active participation in the life of the Church.

The ACYO Spring Retreat once again served as a powerful reminder of the importance of nurturing faith, authentic friendships, and Christian community among the youth of the Western Diocese. Through worship, prayer, discussion, and fellowship, participants departed spiritually renewed and inspired to continue living their faith with renewed purpose, commitment, and hope.