Kristina Pogosian,

Chairwoman of Holy Resurrection’s Armenian Church Youth Organization of the Western Diocese of USA,
answers the questions

 

 

- What connects you to the church?

-My connection to the church is rooted in my Armenian identity. It feels transcendental to sing hymns authored by historic Armenians, read prayers spoken by our ancestors, and uphold the traditions that our people fought to preserve. While protecting my culture, these practices simultaneously strengthen my spirituality.

-Do you allocate time for reading the Holy Book?

 —-Yes. In my eyes, the Bible is poetry, philosophy, and a guidance on living a fulfilling life. Every verse of the Gospel brings me peace and strengthens my spiritual connection.

-Who are the young people of your Diocese?

 —-Our young Armenians are students, rising professionals, and community leaders. Our community is diverse, comprised of Armenians from different family backgrounds, cultural connections, and career ambitions. We are deeply unified by regularly gathering, engaging with one another, and supporting each other’s successes.

-What activities do young people carry out in your Diocese?

 —-In the last 2.5 years since our chapter’s re-founding, we organized over 60 social, cultural, and religious events. This included helping organize protests during the 2020 Artsakh War and raising over $200,000 to aid Armenians. We also organize activities like bonfires, chess tournaments, hikes, and Bible studies. For our efforts, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian appointed us as the 2021 Best Chapter of the Year in the Western Diocese.

-What is needed for having an active youth union?

 —-Building a collaborative team that’s mission-driven is the first step. They should be organized: consistently meeting as needed, forming goals, delegating tasks, and documenting their progress. A successful team recognizes their community’s needs and fulfills it, whether that means organizing events that are educational, career-related, or purely social. They also avoid forming cliques and foster a welcoming environment for everyone, regardless of participant backgrounds.

-What pages do you have on social networks and do you follow ACYOWorld website, social pages?

 —-Yes, we follow the website and social pages of ACYOWorld with pleasure. Seattle ACYO is on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/210875212266800,

and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acyo.seattle/:

-Did you participate in ACYOWorld “Organization of Christian youth work” course? What did it give you?

 —-The ACYOWorld course emphasized that regardless of country, we as youth organizers experience similar challenges. By exchanging ideas and brainstorming solutions, we established a common vision and goals to strive for. This includes creating welcoming environments, explaining church traditions, and continuing to learn from one another.

-Do you try to implement similar programs aimed at youth Christian work in your Diocese?

 —- Aside from social gatherings, our team also organizes monthly Bible studies. During these gatherings, participants read a portion of the Bible and then discuss their interpretations. Afterward, our priest explains the excerpt’s meaning. Along with engaging in spiritual discussions, this helps people practice reading the Bible so that they can do it independently on their own time.

-Did you participate in ACYOWorld Pan-Armenian pilgrimage, what did it give you?

 —-The pilgrimage opened my eyes to our diaspora: we are scattered all over the world, influenced by different societies, but we share the same cultural identity. I also understood that the Armenian church connects us together. No matter where in the world I go, if I find an Armenian church, then I have found my people.

-What offers/proposals do you have for ACYOWorld?․

 —-I would love that meetings and discussions at the level of the chairpersons of all youth unions were more frequent within the scope of ACYOWorld.