ACYOA Profile: George Macarian
ACYOA Profile: George Macarian
Armenian Church Blog
Published: August 11, 2011 at 10:35 AM
George Macarian, who is serving for the second year as treasurer of the ACYOA Central Council, says the organization has helped him grow both spiritually and professionally, and given him the opportunity to network with other Armenians.
“The programming, socializing, and education that the ACYOA provides are unparalleled,” George says.
As treasurer, George plays an active role in implementing the ACYOA’s annual fundraising initiatives, which help support popular programs such as leadership conferences, national retreats, and chapter workshops.
Last year the revenue came from ACYOA merchandise sales, a foundation grant, and donations from parishes.
George says that the ACYOA plans to strengthen alumni relationships, host social fundraising events, and brainstorm other ideas for this year’s campaign.
Proud of his Armenian heritage, George says that his involvement in the ACYOA has helped him maintain a connection to his roots while attending college.
A veteran of leadership conferences, summer camps, and other Diocesan programs, George also serves as a sub-deacon and has taught Sunday School in his home parish, St. David Church of Boca Raton, Fla. Last summer, he traveled to New York to intern in the Diocese’s accounting department.
“From the virtues and ethical values learned in church to the characteristic traits of perseverance and hard work stemming from our ancient history, being Armenian has helped me shape a strong moral fiber,” explains George.
George Macarian serves as treasurer on the ACYOA Central Council.
—By Melanie Quinn (This is the fifth installment of a seven-part series profiling members of the ACYOA Central Council. Melanie Quinn, a senior at the University of New Hampshire, interned this summer in the Diocesan Department of Youth and Education.)
SOURCE: http://www.armenianchurch-ed.net/wpblog/2011/08/acyoa-profile-george-macarian/
Society for Orphaned Armenian Relief Launches New Florida Chapter
Society for Orphaned Armenian Relief Launches New Florida Chapter
By Grant Pakhtigian
FLArmenians Guest Contributor
My name is Grant Pakhtigian and I am the new President of the Society for Orphaned Armenian Relief Florida Chapter (SOAR-FL). I am an Armenian-American, but I am a Christian first, and humbly accept my Armenian faith and heritage with great pride and patience.
Today, as we launch our new Florida chapter, we will gather together to celebrate our faith, heritage and Diaspora. Preliminarily, we invite you to join us for an hour each month for reflection and discussion under the direction of our National Chapter President George S. Yacoubian, Jr., J.D., Ph.D.
Several topics will be discussed at our first meeting. We will also have some logistical ideas to discuss for those travelling from a distance. Once we get closer to the meeting date, things will develop more rapidly, and we should all come prepared to discuss issues relevant to the SOAR mission and website.
With this opportunity, we plan to develop a cohesive unit, with support through communications via phone and email. It’s my understanding that we can collect items for shipment to specific Armenian orphanages, and may I suggest to each one of you who go to a Church or school to start a collection drive of your own. Items will be shipped to Armenia through the National Chapter in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Please visit the SOAR website, http://www.soar-us.org, to see what items are needed for Armenian orphans.
As we choose to serve our under privileged youth in Armenia, let us keep in mind mirroring other successful SOAR Chapters. This will give us an opportunity to avoid pitfalls while taking advantage of sister networks across the United States and abroad.
As servants for our orphaned Armenian children in Armenia, Nagorno Karabakh and Javakh, let us give ourselves without reservation of time or effort. “I can do all things through the Lord who strengthens me”, Phillipians 4:13. We will step up for one another when the burden becomes too much, with helping hands and joyful hearts.
Opening up the line of communication is essential, both with fellow Armenians and parents to those in the community. We can lead in our efforts to reach out to fellow Armenians, and engage them in the SOAR mission.
As President of the SOAR Chapter in Florida, my contributions will be as a leader and humble servant. I look to search and encourage fellow Armenians to join the Organization and express their voice without judgment. Further, we wish to fulfill the goals of the SOAR-FL Chapter and utilize the template from SOAR sister organizations across the nation and abroad.
It is with encouragement that I conclude with a debt of gratitude for those considering joining the Organization, and being a part of the volunteers for the SOAR Florida Chapter. Please follow FLArmenians.com for updates on what transpires over the next few weeks and months leading up to our official launch. If you are interested in volunteering and being a part of SOAR-FL, or if you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please contact me at pakhtigian@yahoo.com.
Florida Armenians 